LACONIA CITIZEN: Emergency services head steps down

Meredith's emergency management director for the past 25 years is stepping down and will be replaced by the chief of police.

The selectmen accepted Steve Bennett's resignation at its meeting Monday evening. Bennett had submitted his intent to resign on Dec. 17.

Bennett had served in the position for the past 25 years, starting as the civil defense director and then as emergency management director. On Dec. 17, the town received a letter from Bennett resigning his position effective Jan. 1, 2009.

The emergency management director coordinates emergency management preparation and gives direction in a widespread emergency. Bennett helped compile the town's first emergency plan and has helped revise the plan, with the latest update in 2002.

Co-interim Town Manager John Edgar said he discussed the matter with the members of the hazard mitigation committee, including several department heads involved in emergency management issues.

"We concur with Steve Bennett's observation that the position of emergency management director is far different from what it was 25 years ago and that a new director must be able to make the time commitments required of this position," Edgar said in a staff report to the board. "We believe this appointment should be internal and come from the safety services/emergency management services professions."

Edgar said the matter was discussed by Police Chief Kevin Morrow and Fire Chief Ken Jones, resulting in the agreement that Morrow should fill the position. The respective chiefs are already involved in emergency management planning and it was viewed to be more efficient for the director to be directly involved in emergency services.

"Police and fire, we're first responders," Morrow said. "It doesn't matter what department you're in, we work as a team."

Selectman Colette Worsman expressed concern about how much the position would add to Morrow's work load.

Edgar said the position would "add a level of management" for Morrow, though he is already fully involved in the emergency planning process.

"I think it's pretty typical that the police chief and fire chief is involved," Edgar said. "I don't think that this is outside the norm."

Worsman said another option might be to have a separate individual take the position to provide a wider view of emergency management. Selectman and Deputy Fire Chief Chuck Palm said he worked for a town with a similar system and "that did not work well at all."

Edgar said members of any department and the public can give feedback as part of meetings of the hazard mitigation planning committee and the chiefs are available to the public.

The board unanimously approved Morrow as the emergency management director. The board also expressed its appreciation to Bennett for his work and will discuss how best to show that appreciation.