TMCnet News
Victoria emergency management coordinator resigns [Victoria Advocate, Texas :: ](Victoria Advocate (TX) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Aug. 13--Jeb Lacey is preparing to share his expertise in emergency management beyond Victoria County. Come Sept. 6, the longtime coordinator for the Office of Emergency Management will move on to work in the private sector as an independent consultant across the state. "I feel like the program is in a good place, and I feel very honored to serve the community," he said. Lacey, 33, was appointed coordinator in 2008 by Victoria County Judge Don Pozzi when previous coordinator David Martyn resigned after four years. Pozzi said Lacey has done an outstanding job working as the coordinator and working with the emergency personnel and first responders. "He has brought the emergency management department into the 21st century," Pozzi said. "He has made a lot of good changes and advancements as part of the new emergency operating center at the Bridge Street Annex." Of the contenders considered for the position before Lacey was hired, Pozzi said he felt strongly that the commissioners made the right choice when they hired him. "I've never been concerned for any type of emergency," Pozzi said. Making the move from the public to the private sector was something Lacey said he had thought about for a while. Now was a good opportunity to execute his decision because he said there is a growing need in other areas and industries for his knowledge in emergency management. "There is a recognized need for affordable services for the smaller communities," he said. "And as the oil and gas industry continues to expand, it is very important that safety and the continuity of operations be constantly at the forefront." In the coming weeks, he said his big focus is to make sure all the government and private sectors are in a good place and that there will be no negative impact to current projects or programs. He expects the county and city leadership to continue their support of the program. Lacey said he will continue to serve as the president of the Emergency Management Association of Texas. "It's been a tremendous opportunity to serve the community through my service," he said. He said he was especially proud of building the Victoria Partners in Preparedness Program between the city and the county, which allows area emergency workers a way to share information and resources. "I fell in love with the entire Crossroads region," he said. "It's been truly an honor." Richard McBrayer, deputy emergency management coordinator, will most likely serve as the interim coordinator after Lacey's last day, Pozzi said. The commissioners will be tasked with searching for and hiring a replacement coordinator in his absence. Officials are tied up with the budget process, but Pozzi said they will begin discussions about the position soon. "He had an extensive background, and he has certainly met all my expectations," Pozzi said. ___ (c)2014 Victoria Advocate (Victoria, Texas) Visit Victoria Advocate (Victoria, Texas) at www.victoriaadvocate.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |