County commission seeks new emergency management director

The search for a new emergency management director for Cape Girardeau County will include a two-week period for applications and a five-member screening committee that will recommend three candidates to the county commission.

David Hitt is retiring from the post after 11 years on the job and will leave his post April 30. By that date, all applications will be received and the screening committee will be working on narrowing the list.

Commissioners agreed during their regular Monday meeting to the timetable developed by County Clerk Kara Clark, commission assistant Robb McClary and Hitt.

Commissioners put off naming an interim director to handle Hitt's duties after he retires. "We don't need an interim director yet," Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones said. "We've still got a director downstairs."

The duties for the new director include coordinating with regional and state public safety agencies in planning for and directing responses to natural and man-made disasters. Applicants are also required to coordinate the county's 911 system. The job requires a high school diploma.

The screening committee members appointed Monday include Capt. Ruth Ann Dickerson, communications manager for the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department, Charlotte Craig, county health director, and Willie Sandin, a member of the E911 Advisory Board. McClary also recommended including Jack Lakenan, Perry County emergency director, and Chuck Keppler, director of human resources at Southeast Missorui Hospital, but he has not received word from them that they are willing to help.

Sandin asked commissioners to include a requirement that the new director obtain an amateur radio operator's license. He noted that amateur, or ham, radio was an important communications link during a December training exercise.

After the screening committee submits names, commissioners will conduct interviews before announcing their selection.

rkeller@semissourian.com

335-6611 extension 126