New EMS director hired
From Cairo Messenger

William E. Rathel

Cairo- The former Miller County Emergency Medical Service director has been offered and has accepted the same position here, according to Grady County Administrator Rusty Moye.

Following an extensive interview process, the county administrator presented the top finalists for the EMS directorship to the board of commissioners Monday night. Then on Tuesday, Moye made his recommendation to the board that William (Billy) Rathel be offered the job.

The commissioners approved the administrator's recommendation, and Moye offered the position to Rathel Tuesday night.

The former Miller County director notified Moye early Wednesday that he accepted the position.

"I think the board of commissioners made a good choice. However, it was a difficult one because our other top finalist was equally qualified. I believe Mr. Rathel will do an outstanding job as EMS director, and I look forward to working with him," County Administrator Rusty Moye said Wednesday.

Rathel has been employed by the Miller County Board of Commissioners in the EMS department since August 1995 and has served as the EMS director since 1990. He also served as the county's emergency management agency director.

A difference of opinion with the board of commissioners over the operation of the EMS led to Rathel's resignation earlier this month.

Prior to going to work with Miller County EMS, Rathel worked as a licensed practical nurse and emergency medical technician with Miller County Hospital in Colquitt from May 1977 until August 1985, which was the date the ambulance service was taken over by the county.

Rathel also worked one year prior to joining the staff of Miller County Hospital with the Georgia Department of Corrections as a medical assistant.

The new Grady County EMS director maintains his nurse and paramedic licenses as well as advanced cardiac life support and pediatric advanced life support licenses.

Rathel was named the EMS Director of the Year for Region 8 in 2001, and under his leadership the Miller County EMS has been judged the Region 8 EMS Service of the Year.

He is a graduate of Seminole County public schools, attended Darton College and Bainbridge College, and has completed additional course work at Jinks School of Nursing and Southwest Georgia Technical College.

Rathel has been an active member of the Southwest Georgia EMS Directors Association for the past 17 years, the Southwest Georgia EMS Council, the Area 2 Georgia Emergency Management Agency All Hazards Council and the Georgia Association of EMS, Inc.

He and his family are members of Colquitt United Methodist Church.

Rathel will be paid a $50,000 salary to manage the local EMS which includes a crew of seven paramedics and eight EMTs and one secretary.

He assumed his new duties here Tuesday, May 22.