Former Jackson fire chief tapped for ambulance district director in Scott County

SIKESTON, Mo. -- When the former director of the South Scott County Ambulance District resigned in July, the district's board of directors knew they wanted to move in a different direction.

And Brad Golden fit the bill for what they wanted.

Joy Cauthorn, chair of the ambulance district's board of directors, said she's known Golden for several years. "When he called I was really thrilled," she said. "When he interviewed, he just stood out amongst the rest."

Cauthorn explained some of the characteristics she and other board members were looking for in candidates.

"At a minimum, we wanted someone with a bachelor's degree," she said. But they ended up with more, as Golden has experience as a paramedic -- he's a registered nurse -- a fire chief and an emergency responder. Not only that, Golden has a master's degree in business administration.

"With well over a $1 million budget, we felt we needed someone like Brad," she said. "We felt like that level of professionalism can lead us into the next decade."

In his first month, Golden shined as the new director, said Cauthorn.

"We've been very pleased," she said. "He's bringing us new, fresh ideas, and he has the experience to help utilize the district's funds by implementing cost-saving measures."

Since taking over as director Oct. 1, things have gone "pretty good," said Golden. "I'm getting more acclimated to the place and how everything works and operates."

His experience is multi-faceted. "I have an extensive background in the fire services and medical services through fire departments," said Golden.

Since 1981, Golden said he has served in several capacities. The Cape Girardeau native began his career there, where he helped form the first responders emergency medical program.

From there, Golden went on to become the fire chief in the city of Jackson, where he also set up its first responders emergency medical program.

Golden later took the position of chief of the fire protection district in Blue Springs, Mo. Although he enjoyed his job, he was glad to see the position for director of the ambulance district come open in the past few months.

"I really missed the area and I'm glad to get back," he said, noting he also wanted to live closer to family.

Golden said he has several goals for his leadership of the organization. Although he said there is a good board in place and excellent ground work has been laid for the district, there is room for improvement.

"You always have to go in and assess the past, where you are right now, and where you want to go," said Golden.

One thing he said he wants to do is foster more community involvement and partnerships.

"Even though we are a third-party provider, we are still a part of the region and I want to be more involved," said Golden. "I also want to make our services even better and find ways to operate more efficiently."

Golden said he's a big supporter of educating his staff and keeping them current.

"I want to be able to afford my staff the opportunity to be trained and educated on different aspects of this job," he said.

One of the perks of coming back to the area is that Golden already had several connections in South Scott County due to his former work in Cape Girardeau and Jackson.

"It's pretty cool that I'm not just jumping into the place, not knowing anyone," said Golden. "I think I've always had and will continue to have a good relationship with DPS and the county sheriff's department."

Chief Drew Juden of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety is one of those people with a past experience with Golden. Juden said he's excited to see where Golden leads the district.

"He's very knowledgeable in his field and I think he'll bring a professionalism to the ambulance district and a a level of cooperation we haven't seen before," said Juden.

Juden pointed out Golden's well-rounded work background makes him an excellent person for the director position. "He's very well learned and well vested in all fields," Juden said.

Joel Evans, Scott County's emergency management director, said he's also been acquainted with Golden for years.

"As a young firefighter 20 years ago, I was able to take training through the Cape Girardeau Fire Department. At that time, Brad was the training officer for the fire department," said Evans. "He was always very squared away and everything was very professional. In working with him in trainings over the years, it's always been that way and there's never been any deviation in his level of professionalism."

As Evans will work with Golden quite often, he said he thinks the new hire is a good direction for the district.

"It will go a long way toward building relationships with some of the other emergency response agencies," said Evans. "He'll be dedicated to working with local fire departments and other emergency response agencies in southern Scott County."