Interim Assistant Director Steps in For Mentor at Putnam 911

Brandon Smith will lose the Interim Assistant Director Title at Putnam County 911 when he steps in full time for his mentor Mike Thompson.

The Putnam County Emergency Communications board voted to make Smith the full-time assistant director. Smith said stepping in for someone who spent 40 years serving Putnam County is an honor.

“I can honestly say that I’m proud to be able to say that I’m stepping into a role that Mike had, he’s been a mentor of mine for a long time and has been a great leader that I’ve looked to for many, many years,” Smith said.

The two worked side by side though, where Smith said he picked up on Thompson’s skills. Something Smith said he hopes to bring with him into the position.

“Sometimes he’ll teach things through stories, so over the years I’ve heard many of those stories and we’ve talked about many different scenarios,” Smith said.

While the stories from before Smith was working with Thompson have made an impact, seeing Thompson work set an example Smith said.

“I’ve had the opportunity to see how he handles different scenarios, through the things he’s done over the years and just learning by example,” Smith said.

Brandon Smith is also the Emergency Operations Center Manager. Mike Thompson will be honored for his retirement in October.