Newton County Emergency Management Director Brian Taylor will resign his duties managing the county’s dispatch and emergency response effective Friday, February 21.
In an email sent Friday, Taylor said he was honored for the opportunity to serve Newton County and work alongside the first responders who keep the community safe.
“I have met so many wonderful people throughout the past few years that have helped me be successful in this position” he said via email. “I have enjoyed working with each of you, and I appreciate the support that you have provided me during my tenure with Newton County.”
Taylor will be headed to Jackson to serve as base supervisor with PHI Air Medical Inc’s air medical program.
Vice President of the Board of Supervisors Jackie Johnson said Taylor had reached out to the supervisors previously to let them know his decision. He said the board would be working to find someone to fill the E-911 position as soon as possible.
“It’s an appointed position,” he said. “It’s something the board decides.”
Johnson said it was not quite clear whether the county would need to advertise for the position or if the board could immediately appoint a replacement.
“I asked if we had to advertise, and I was told no,” he said, “But that’s not 100 percent.”
Taylor said he would continue to stay in contact with county EMA staff and first responders to keep them abreast of the board’s decision.
“As I close this chapter in my life and begin the next, I ask that you continue to pray for me and my family,” he said via email. “I plan to keep this email address, and I will keep you apprised of the decision of the Board of Supervisors in the selection of the new EMA director.”
