CLARION, Pa. (EYT) – Clarion County Commissioners abolished the position of Office of Emergency Services (OES) Director at its Tuesday morning meeting, effective May 1.

Instead of an OES Director, Ron Wolbert will continue serving as 911 Director and Randall Stahlman as Director of EMA (Emergency Management Agency).

Vern Smith, Clarion County OES and 911 Director, was terminated from his position effective March 3, but Clarion County Commissioners would not comment on the action.

“We found that things have been working much better and during the last two months, and everything has run smooth,” said Commissioner Chair Ted Tharan.

While there is some interaction between 911 and OES duties are different, according to Tharan. The decision will also save money.  Tharan said the OES director position accounted for an approximate annual $50,000 salary, but the county will not be saving that much due to adjustments in salaries of current employees because of additional duties.

“You know, that’s one of the most important things we do,” said Tharan.  “Everything is important, but if you need an ambulance, you need it now.  They do work together some, but you don’t call EMA when you need an ambulance, fire truck, or police.  EMA is more catastrophic incidents, such as a truck wreck that is spilling fuel.“

OES administration over many years presented challenges for past and present County Commissioners.

Clarion County Commissioners hired Smith in August 2014. He came to the Clarion County position with a list of many accomplishments, including the development of Butler Hospital’s Critical Care Ground Transport System, providing National Disaster Life Support Training in India on behalf of the United Nations, and 38 plus years of experience, training, and management skills regarding emergency management, disaster preparedness, and public safety.

Voting to abolish the position were Treasurer Thomas McConnel and Commissioners Tharan, Wayne Brosius, and Ed Heasley