EM director steps down after fiscal court questions training hours

STAFF REPORT

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 — Joe Osborne, the director of the county’s office of emergency management, has stepped down effective today.

JOE OSBORNE

Osborne’s ability to serve as director was questioned by members of Nelson Fiscal Court at the court’s meeting Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012. Magistrates had become aware that Osborne was behind on annual training hours the state requires of county emergency management directors. Several magistrates questioned Judge Executive Dean Watts if Osborne was qualified to continue to serve as county EM director without meeting the mandated training requirements.

In an e-mail Tuesday evening to emergency management volunteers, Osborne said that while he was stepping down as director, he will continue to work with the agency as its deputy director. Joe Prewitt, the director of Nelson County EMS, will also serve as director of the county emergency management office.

In his e-mail to volunteers, Osborne accepted responsibility for his mistake and issued an apology.

Osborne has served as director of the county’s emergency management for more than 14 years, and has seen the agency expand its role of service to the community with weather spotter programs and the creation of volunteers who serve on water rescue and emergency communication teams.

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