Butler County appoints interim emergency management director

A former Butler County commissioner was appointed interim Emergency Management Agency director Monday, but he's not planning to seek the position permanently.

"I'm honored to work with the commissioners on this task," Robbie Myers said. "My intention is to restore public confidence and a working relationship with all the other entities."

Myers served as Eastern District commissioner from Jan. 1, 1997, through 2008.

"I will use my skills, 12 years' experience as county commissioner and other experiences to serve the citizens of Butler County," Myers said.

He plans to help the commissioners develop a job description and a mission statement for the agency.

The commission will advertise for a permanent director.

"I have no intention to apply for it," said Myers, who said he will pursue other plans in early 2013.

"I will talk to the stakeholders and county citizens in order to create an EMA all can be proud of," Myers said. "I will make sure all the emergency plans are up-to-date."

He also pledged to "establish a professional way to work with other established and voluntary organizations."

"I will be meeting with all those individuals to gather their input and ideas," Myers said.

He also will work with County Clerk Tonyi Deffendall on funding issues with the state.

Myers and his wife, Lori, have two sons, Brennan and Reagan. They are members of Fellowship General Baptist Church.

The commissioners decided to appoint Myers after six-year EMA director Rick Sliger resigned Friday after several community leaders criticized his work during a commission meeting Sept. 19.

Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley thinks Myers is "a good appointment."

"He has always worked well with city, county, state and federal governments. He certainly has the contacts and know-how in Jefferson City to procure the money and supplies for the EMA office," Whiteley said.

Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs thinks the appointment of Myers is "a good step to get things back on track."

"I look forward to getting a working relationship re-established with the EMA the way it always was before," Dobbs said. "I think Robbie will do a good job of making that happen."