Hyde Commissioners Cut Deputy EM Director Position

This means Brian Carter is out of a job and Ocracoke is without an onsite manager of emergency services. After a closed session, Hyde County Manager Mazie Smith recommended a “restructuring” of the department. She didn’t site personnel issues or budget concerns, rather lauded the department for keeping costs minimum. She said the restructuring would better serve Hyde citizens and further cut down in overtime costs to the county.

Commissioners unanimously accepted the manager’s recommendation, as motioned by Barry Swindell and seconded by Chairwoman Sharon Spencer. Commissioners Anson Byrd and Darlene Styron were absent from Monday‘s meeting.

Hyde County Emergency Services Director Justin Gibbs explained the restructuring during a telephone interview after the meeting. He said the action would make up for a lack of staff on the mainland.

“Essentially we’ve reorganized because the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) Division of the Emergency Services department has been understaffed. Hyde County has been unable to fulfill staffing requirements for the past two years,” said Gibbs. Eliminating the position of deputy EM director frees up the funding to hire the EMTs required to be in compliance. Right now, the EM department is lacking two EMT basics on the mainland, operating on ten personnel instead of the 12 required.

Carter’s salary, according to Gibbs, was roughly $62,000, not including benefits.

Doing away with the deputy EM director position will not create staffing issues on Ocracoke Island, assured Gibbs. He explained Ocracoke has special legislation that authorizes the emergency operations control group on the island to manage local resources and mutual aid agreements, as spelled out in the county’s emergency operations plan. In the event of a serious emergency, Ocracoke control group will advise the commissioner on the needs of the township, which will be forwarded to the mainland EOC to be addressed. “It’s clearly outlined in our plan,” said Gibbs.

Response that requires the EM Control Group to convene is rare, and includes major storms, accidents and catastrophic events that affect the entire island.

As for day-to-day response, Gibbs said these needs will be handled by the capable Ocracoke EMS Department and the Fire Department. He said lead paramedic Eric Godbey will be the go-to, working directly with the emergency manager. Gibbs confirmed the Ocracoke EM Department is still well staffed.

To assist with the transition, Gibbs said he has been working closely with NC Emergency Management Eastern Branch Manager Diane Curtis, as well as the NC EM Area Coordinator. He said state officials are prepared to assist as Hyde moves forward with the restructuring.

A suburban purchased last summer by the county will be for Ocracoke emergency response, including beach rescues. Gibbs said the vehicle is currently off the island to have lighting installed. The suburban replaces a ford ranger that was formerly used for emergency situations on the beach.