McCabe recommends Fire Chief as EMD

POMEROY-A search to replace resigning Garfield County Emergency Management Director (EMD) John Hisch has been initiated and Garfield County Commissioner Wynne McCabe has recommended the new Fire Chief James Cleveland.

The resignation of John Hirsch, Garfield County Emergency Management Director (EMD), which is effective August 31, 2020, has ignited a search for a replacement. McCabe suggested to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) at the meeting on August 10, that the newly hired Fire Chief, James Cleveland, would be a good candidate. Cleveland has held the same position before in another location. McCabe will present his recommendation to the Garfield County Fire District (GCFD) at their meeting.

McCabe advised the Fire District during their August 11 meeting of his pick for the EMD position. He reported that GCFD Commissioner Aaron Stallcop had informed him about Cleveland's former EMD experience, and that he was inclined to accept the position.

Commissioner Justin Dixon was hesitant, but Commissioner Bob Johnson was in favor of the idea. McCabe added that the EMD position had been part of the Fire District staff in the past, and the appointment of Cleveland would bring it back once again, where he feels it is a "perfect fit."

Interim Fire Chief, Kyle Pearson said he spoke with Dixon and agreed that it may be too much with just starting the job of Fire Chief at the same time. McCabe suggested perhaps Hirsch would consider continuing as EMD for a couple of months to allow Cleveland to get settled before stepping into the additional position.

The GCFD Commissioners (Stallcop and Terry John) agreed to have McCabe discuss with Hirsch to extend his stay, and report back to them. Cleveland stated he will be available to discuss the matter further when he arrives in Pomeroy a few days before he starts as Fire Chief on August 30, 2020.

Also, approval was made by the GCFD Commissioners to start two new EMT candidates Ryland Snyder and Tiffany Wessels, at Lewis Clark State College (LCSC) in EMT classes. The GCFD will pay a total of $995 each for Snyder and Wessels to attend classes, with a two-year commitment to work with the GCFD. Snyder has been riding along on calls with the GCFD, and has received praise by those who have been working with him. Wessels has not been on any ride-a longs, however she is currently enrolled in the nursing program at LCSC. Both candidates have completed CPR training. A third candidate, Joe Turner, will begin ride-a longs on calls, and will be considered for training through LCSC at a future date.

The GCFD has received a quote from Everlast Gutters for the addition of gutters to the new fire station building. The estimated cost of $2,067.12 was approved by the commissioners.

Commissioner Stallcop suggested that the GCFD consider purchasing new uniform t-shirts and caps. He believes it is important shirts are made of 100% cotton, which is not the case with the shirts being used currently. The estimated cost is about $1,500, which would provide each employee with two shirts and a cap. He agreed to get an accurate count of what would be needed, put together an order, and bring it back to the board for approval.

Deedee Weymouth, GCFD Secretary and Paramedic, asked for approval to teach CPR classes for the American Heart Association to the Garfield County Hospital staff once per month. The commissioners approved her request.

The next meeting of the GCFD will be September 8, 2020, at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend via teleconference.