New Starke County EMS Director Appointed, EMT Interviews Start Today

Posted on July 6, 2017
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI

The Starke County Commissioners appointed a new EMS Director during their meeting Wednesday night.

Interim Assistant Director Travis Clary was offered the position by the commissioners and he accepted the offer. Commissioner Kathy Norem noted that he will be placed on a probationary period for six months. He will be evaluated after three months and if his work is satisfactory Clary will receive a raise. If the commissioners continue to be satisfied with his work at the end of his probationary period, he will be bumped up to his intended salary of $59,000.

Norem noted that Clary’s experience as a paramedic will be beneficial in directing the department to the standard of which the commissioners are envisioning. Norem and Charlie Chesak approved the appointment. Commission President Donnie Binkley was not in attendance.

Prior to his appointment, Clary told the commissioners that he will be interviewing candidates to fill three open EMT positions. Seven candidates will be interviewed for the openings that Clary hopes will help cut down on overtime hours.

The applications for paramedics are lacking, but it’s a problem that departments across the area are experiencing. Clary said the department will continue their efforts in requesting applications for the available paramedic positions.

Nepotism Rule Forces EMS Director’s Resignation

Posted on June 8, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

Starke County will soon be looking for a new department head as a result of the state-mandated nepotism policy. It prohibits spouses from working in a supervisory role over one another. EMS Director Keith Emigh is getting married to another member of the department this weekend. As a result, the commissioners advised he either needs to step down as the director, or she needs to find a new job. Emigh agreed during Monday’s meeting to step down as head of the service after his wedding and continue working as an EMT.

Commissioners Kathy Norem and Don Binkley both thanked him for his dedication to the county and his hard work with the EMS.

Emigh will provide formal notice of his resignation in writing. The commissioners have not yet announced a timeline for filling the position.