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Ombudsman Presents Public Safety Report To Escambia Commission
May 9, 2019
An ombudsman report into Escambia County Public Safety was presented to the Escambia County Commission Thursday morning.
Janice Kilgore began work on the report on April 17 and interviewed over 50 people including public safety employees, county administration and volunteer fire chiefs.
Her findings dealt mostly with issues like funding and staffing and did not include the state investigation into possible wrongdoings with Escambia EMS since that inquiry has not concluded.
Kilgore said the union vote of no confidence on now-resigned public safety director Mike Weaver was because Weaver was not adequately representing the department to the county and its citizens.
“No just one person caused this problem, and no just one person can fix this problem,” she said.
Kilgore said 8 to 10-year old policies and a lack of funding are major talking points that need to be addressed.
Her report said the county needs to improve coordination between fire and EMS divisions, use the workforce more effectively and improve training. There has been no medical training since October 2018, a public safety fire training facility is needed and training needs to be more skills based and hands on.
Kilgore’s report also found a multi-year vehicle replacement program is needed, EMS coverage in North Escambia needs to be improved and the department’s public image needs addressing.
Commissioners said many of the issues will need to be addressed during the preparation of the county’s next budget.
Interim County Administrator Amy Lovoy appointed Kilgore as an ombudsman after Weaver’s resignation. She worked for the county for 36 years, moving from a clerk for the Santa Rosa Island Authority to county Emergency Preparedness head. She was named Public Safety director when the position was created in 1997.
Comments
7 Responses to “Ombudsman Presents Public Safety Report To Escambia Commission”
@Me
Ok I stand corrected.
I noted there were no official complaints toward Weaver but there were several about Nail and Edler.
Currently Ambulance service is not even covered by our Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance Escambia county. I would like to see that change.
Thank you Northescambia for not putting GOB in the headline nor quoting D2, unlike PNJ or the hypw with WEAR. It looks like Kilgore was able to bring forth good information in a very short period of time. It was a great decision to bring her in, despite any naysayers. The more they **neigh***, the more able we are to discern their ability to report the truth in an unbiased reasonable manner.
Thr sky is not falling.
@in the right direction, Chief Nail was named Acting DEPUTY public safety director. Still a direct subordinate of Former Director Weaver.
Nothing here that any current or past employee couldn’t have told them.
If Rusty Nail was named acting Public Safety Director in August 2018
FYI
Look in the mirror, why you blaming it on Weaver? Looks like a smear job and was supported by one commissioner. How can that be?
http://www.northescambia.com/2018/08/new-fire-chief-named-acting-deputy-public-safety-director
Edler, your emergency and crying fire in a theater shows a lack of knowledge of how to operate with in a governmental setting.
Your Emergency Medical urgency and attention to details is great but you have to learn to navigate the government waters, not blame it.
The sole source push was ridiculous. She seemed like one used to getting her way regardless of anyone else. I hope she stays but has learned a hard lesson.
As far as Nail and the union???? Not a good look.
Faux Paus. The budget cycle and funding can not happen with a snap of your fingers.
Due Process People.
Anyone who insinuated or outright stated bringing Mrs. Kilgore in or questioned Lavoy’s decision to do this should reflect upon their words and spreading of gossip and labeling people the Good ole boys. It’s a reflection on you and has caused Escambia harm.