Anderson Independent-Mail (South Carolina)  

Charlie Bauder 630 AM WNEG Special to the Independent Mail

TOCCOA, Ga. – Stephens County is looking for a new 911 and emergency management agency director.

County administrator Phyllis Ayers said the decision was made Thursday to dismiss director Rex Nelms.

“The board, I, and the county attorney all consulted and decided that we wanted to move the E-911 center in a different direction than it was currently going,” said Ayers.

Ayers did not elaborate.

Nelms has worked for Stephens County since 2005. He became 911 director in August 2007 and last year, he added the title of emergency management agency director when that position was folded into the 911 director’s position.

Ayers said that the search will begin immediately for a replacement.

In the meantime, Ayers said arrangements have been made to handle the responsibilities of both positions.

“In the interim, Bruce Cleveland, who is an employee with the sheriff’s office, will be acting interim EMA director for the county and I will be assisting him,” Ayers said. “I will then be overseeing the E-911 center along with the supervisors that are currently on the shift there.”

Cleveland also heads up the Stephens County Rescue Unit.

Ayers said the county will again seek one person to handle both responsibilities. 

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