STAFF REPORT
Hays County Fire Marshal Mark Chambers was named interim emergency management coordinator last week after the resignation of Jeff Turner, who had held the position since 2006.
The commissioners court accepted Turner’s resignation and announced its intention to form a committee of local stakeholders to review applications for the permanent position.
Turner joined Hays County as assistant emergency management coordinator in 2005 and became the coordinator in 2006, when the emergency management duties were separated from the Fire Marshal’s Office.
Chambers had served as both emergency management coordinator and fire marshal concurrently from 1999, when he joined the county, through 2005.
“This position works closely with fire and EMS departments, law enforcement, school districts and elected officials throughout Hays County, and we want their input as we go through the selection process,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner Will Conley. “These are the people who manage emergencies on a daily basis for our residents and know the background and training needed to handle this critical countywide position.”
Under the Texas Disaster Act of 1975, the county judge of each county and the mayor of each city are responsible for disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery for their jurisdictions and have the authority to appoint a coordinator to assist them. The emergency management coordinator oversees response to and recovery from disasters, training for local disaster and shelter operations and management of the County’s Emergency Operations Center.
