EMS Director resigns
by Terry Toole

EMS Director Billy Rathel

Late Monday evening it was told that Miller County's Emergency Medical Director and Emergency Management Agency Director, Billy Rathel has given his resignation to the Miller County Commissioners. His resignation will be effective Monday, May 21.

The EMS/EMA director was called at his office at the Miller County Jail to confirm his resignation.

Director Rathel stated that at the last "special session" the commissioners seemed unhappy with the way he directed the Miller County Ambulance Service. He stated that he had done the best for the safety of those the department served, but he was willing to try something different if directed. The EMS shifts were changed, more changes have been directed such as putting the EMS back in the Miller County Hospital.

Hospital board members have stated that this has been tried be-

resigns fore, and it did not work then.

Mr. Rathel has been a certified EMT since 1973, and has been director in Miller County since the early 1990s.

He stated that a new EMA director will take up to a year of schooling to become certified. The EMA director is over the county in case of a disaster such as a flood or tornadoes.

Mr. Rathel stated that he will miss his jobs, but said when those who pay you do not have confidence in you, it is time to move on.

The Miller County Board of Commissioners have called a "special session" to deal with this vacancy on Tuesday, May 8, at 5:00 PM.