A decision made last summer to separate emergency management and emergency response in Lincoln County has resulted in two new directors, and the departure of Tod Hartung, who for the last four years has overseen both departments.

According to County Administrator Carrie Kipfer, Joe Westrich has been appointed interim communications director effective Jan. 26.  Westrich has many years’ experience working in the Communications Center. Kipfer said Westrich will meet with supervisors and dispatchers soon to develop a transition plan and begin developing department goals. Westrich has also served on statewide committees, and Kipfer said he has “a wealth  of knowledge that will benefit him in his new role.”

The new emergency management director will be Casey Stevens.  Stevens served as deputy director under Hartung, and is deputy chief of the fire department in Newcastle. “Casey’s involvement in the fire services community gives him a valued perspective on the responsibilities of EMA,” Kipfer said.  The EMA office will soon be relocating into the courthouse, across from the Probate Office, and may also use an office in the basement for EMA training and staffing needs. Stevens will have a deputy EMA director; that position will be posted soon, Kipfer said.

Kipfer said it had become apparent each department needed its own full-time director, because there was too much work for one person.

She said Hartung had took the opportunity to travel in a new direction, although he had been invited to apply for one of the two positions. She is grateful for all of his contributions to Lincoln County, she said. “He has a special place in the hearts of many and we will miss him tremendously.”

Kipfer stressed that the changes are significant and will take time and the cooperation of many people to be successful. The new directors have assured her they are ready for the challenges and are excited at the opportunities that will develop, she said.