8:28 PM. County EMS and Volunteer Fire Name Members of Commission Task Force

Rickey Stokes

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Posted by: RStokes
[email protected]
334-790-1729
Date: Aug 01 2024 8:50 PM

HOUSTON COUNTY:      Houston County Commission Chairman Brandon Shoupe read a document at the last Houston County Commission Administrative Meeting detailing the “Houston County First Responder Task Force”.

This was July 18, 2024, a Thursday.

On July 16, 2024, a Tuesday, the Houston County Volunteer Fire Chief Association held their regular scheduled monthly meeting. No Houston County Commissioner or Chairman was present to present the idea to those doing the work and leading the volunteer fire departments ( 17 ) across Houston County.

On July 11, 2024, a Thursday, the week before, the Houston County EMS Association met. The EMS Association consists of the 5 County EMS, Pilcher Ambulance and Headland Fire - Rescue who handles Kinsey. This was not mentioned to any EMS at their regular scheduled meeting.

The document presented by Chairman Shoupe on July 18 was voted on by the 4 voting Houston County Commissioners on Monday, July 22, 2024. There were no revisions.

After the passage D3 Commissioner Ricky Herring nominated Joey Pilcher, owner of Pilcher Ambulance Service. And Pilcher was chosen by unanimous vote of the four voting commissioners.

Following the selection of Mr. Pilcher, Chairman Brandon Shoupe announced that Mr. Pilcher would be Chairman.

RSN has great respect for Mr. Pilcher, Pilcher Ambulance and the job they do. The following is in no way critical of Mr. Pilcher.

But the document read by Chairman Shoupe at the Administrative Meeting of July 18, and voted on by the four voting members of the Houston County Commissioner's on July 22 read “ CHAIRMAN - Elected By Task Force Members”, “VICE CHAIRMAN - Elected by Task Force Members”.

That is not what Chairman Shoupe said when interviewed by the media. Watch Houston County Commission Meetings on YOUTUBE.

This week the Houston County EMS Association elected Todd Phillips of Rehobeth Fire - Rescue as the EMS Representative and Jarrod Whitten of Ashford Ambulance and Rescue as the EMS Representative.

Tonight the Houston County Volunteer Fire Chief Association met. D2 Houston County Commissioner Tracy Adams was present. The Association Vice President, Jimmy Dixon, said Houston County Commission Chairman Brandon Shoupe wanted Jason Reneau, President of the Association - Mayor of Kinsey - Fire Chief of Kinsey on the committee. The Fire Chiefs elected Jeff Posey as the second member. 

Jeff Posey grew up, before car seats, going with his parents, Jimmy and Deloris Posey first on EMS then fire calls. He worked for and retired from Dothan Fire Department. And currently is with Ashford Fire Department.

Regardless of the words spoken by Houston County Commission Chairman Brandon Shoupe that were false, Mr. Pilcher will more than likely not accept Chairman of the Task Force UNLESS the members of the Task Force alert him as such. Mr. Pilcher will do as everyone was told in the meeting by Chairman Brandon Shoupe and what the document reads that was presented by Chairman Shoupe. Mr. Pilcher will not participate in false statements made by Chairman Brandon Shoupe.

There is an upcoming meeting of the Task Force.

Houston County First Responders Task Force

 

Introduction

The Houston County First Responders Task Force (HCFR Task Force) is hereby established to assess the immediate and long-term needs of volunteer fire and emergency medical services (EMS) within Houston County, Alabama. The Task Force will develop and propose solutions to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of these critical services.

 

Mission

The mission of the HCFR Task Force is to evaluate the current state of volunteer fire and EMS services, identify gaps and challenges, and recommend actionable strategies to enhance the support, resources, and capabilities of first responders in Houston County.

 

Objectives

1.    Assess the immediate needs of volunteer fire and EMS services in Houston County.

2.    Identify long-term challenges and sustainability issues facing these services.

3.    Develop and propose solutions to address identified needs and challenges.

4.    Foster collaboration among stakeholders to implement recommended solutions.

 

Structure

The HCFR Task Force will be structured as follows:

 

1.  Chairman

•       Elected by Task Force members.

•       Responsible for leading meetings, setting agendas, and ensuring the Task Force achieves its objectives.

 

2.  Vice-Chairman

•       Elected by Task Force members.

•       Assists the Chairman and assumes leadership duties in their absence.

 

3.  Members

•       2 Representatives appointed by the Houston County Volunteer Firefighter Association

•       2 Representatives appointed by the Houston County EMS Association

•       1 Representative appointed by the Houston County Emergency Management Agency

•       1 Representative appointed by the Houston County Sheriff’s Department

•       1 Representative appointed by the Houston County Commission

•       In addition to the above, the HCFR Task Force may name 1 additional member upon the unanimous consent of all Task Force members.

 

Membership and Appointments

•       The members of the Task Force shall elect one person from among its body to serve as Chairman

•       The members of the Task Force shall elect one person from among its body to serve as Vice-Chairman

•       Members will serve for the duration of the task force.

•       If a member resigns, that member may be replaced by its appointing authority

 

Responsibilities

 

Chairman

•       Lead Task Force meetings.

•       Ensure the Task Force stays on track to meet its objectives.

•       Coordinate with members to gather information and develop reports.

 

Vice-Chairman

•       Support the Chairman in their duties.

•       Take on the Chairman’s responsibilities in their absence.

 

Members

•       Attend all Task Force meetings.

•       Actively participate in discussions and provide insights from their respective groups.

•       Assist in gathering data and developing recommendations.

 

Meetings

•       The Task Force will meet as often as deemed necessary by the Chairman.

 

Reporting

•       The Task Force will submit quarterly progress reports to the Houston County Commission.

•       A comprehensive final report will be submitted to the Houston County Commission within one year of the Task Force’s formation, detailing findings, recommendations, and proposed solutions.

 

Budget and Resources

• The Task Force may request funding from The Houston County

Commission to cover necessary expenses, which must be approved by the Commission.

 

Dissolution

• The Task Force shall serve for a period of one year, unless extended by the Houston County Commission

 

Conclusion

The establishment of the Houston County First Responders Task Force underscores the commitment of Houston County to support and enhance the capabilities of its volunteer fire and EMS services. Through collaborative effort and comprehensive study, the Task Force aims to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all residents of Houston County.

 

 

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