News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
White County appointed a new EMA Director Monday night, a newly created, paid position.
This is a part-time position with Sparta Firefighter Matt McBride being selected. McBride said this is the type of position a responder works to achieve during their career.
“I think it’s fun, it’s fun and I like to help people, I think this county has a lot of potential to do something with this EMA position,” McBride said. “We’re excited to get on board and get this ball rolling.”
McBride said his work begins with bringing together and tying together the county emergency services. McBride said he hopes to give a voice to first responders in the public and during county meetings.
“After speaking with my wife and going to multiple classes and trying to prepare for the future,” McBride said. “I think this was something that we were both excited for me to apply for. I’m honored and blessed to be awarded this position here, for this county.”
McBride said he started as a Junior Fire Fighter with Sparta in 1995. McBride said he was brought into the county EMA department by former Interim EMA Director Stanley Neal over the last eight to 10 months.
County Executive Denny Wayne Robinson said the need to budget for an EMA Director became apparent after natural disasters in the region.
“In light of a lot of the events that have happened in the past year, especially in Putnam County,” Robinson said. “Which was eye opening for everyone across the region. We just thought it was time to make sure that the public’s safety was a number one priority and make sure we have somebody that was there to organize anything that we need, just in case something happens.”
Robinson said selecting and presenting McBride to the county commission came after a committee of emergency services, law enforcement, churches and volunteer groups got a chance to interview candidates. Robinson said the part-time position has a $15,000 salary.
