Search continues for emergency management professional

FORT SCOTT -- When Bourbon County Emergency Preparedness Manager Laura Hyer accepted a position in Shawnee County, the Bourbon County Commission began the hunt for Hyer's replacement.

According to Bourbon County Clerk Joanne Long, the open position generated about 13 applications from interested people. After reviewing the applications, which were submitted for the position, commissioners narrowed the applicants down to five people. The top five candidates were invited to complete interviews with the commissioners in an effort for the commissioners to better understand their job qualifications.

As of Friday morning, commissioners had already completed three of the five interviews. According to Bourbon County Second District Commissioner Bill Brittain, the candidates, which took part in Friday's interviews are all superior applicants.

"We interviewed three qualified candidates today," Brittain said.

Although the commissioners are hoping to complete interviews on two other candidates, Brittain said that he hopes they will be able to make a final decision in about a week. If the commissioners are able to complete the hiring process in a week, Brittain said it is possible for the new emergency preparedness director to begin working in Bourbon County within three weeks.

Brittain said that the right applicant will have excellent communication skills and must be proficient on the computer as well as working with the Internet. In addition, the best candidate will possess some teaching skills as he or she will be working with various Bourbon County departments in order to keep them compliant with the State and Federal regulations.

Hyer, whose last day of full-time, on-site employment was Feb. 22, is still a paid employee through the end of March. According to Brittain, since her move, Hyer has continued to update needed information, while the commissioners have been searching for her replacement. Also, Hyer has agreed to help train the new director after the commissioners secure the right candidate.

According to information on the Bourbon County Web site, www.bourboncountyks.org, the mission of the emergency management department is to provide round-the-clock assistance to area residence.

"To provide a 24-hour operation to reduce the loss of life and property and to protect the environment. The highest priority is to protect Bourbon County residents from all hazards by providing and coordinating resources, expertise, leadership and advocacy through a comprehensive, risk-based emergency preparedness program of mitigation, management, response and recovery," the Bourbon County Web site said.