By Staff
EMS Coordinator takes new job, bids home county farewell
By GREG KATSKI
Staff Writer
Hyde County Emergency Management Coordinator Tony Spencer is leaving the place he calls “home.”
Spencer, who turned in his two-week resignation on July 11, will finish his last day on the job this Friday. He accepted the position of Carteret County Communications Manager/Deputy and Emergency Services Director prior to his resignation notice and starts his new job on August 4.
Spencer has been the county’s emergency management coordinator since the position was created over four years ago. Of the county’s emergency services he said, “We started from scratch.”
Now he must fulfill the same duties in Carteret County.
Carteret County has four 911 centers. A decision was made by county officials to consolidate the centers, and build a new central station for county-wide operations, Spencer said.
Although one county center has yet to approve the consolidation, Spencer has already been hired to organize the central station.
Spencer expects the center to be fully functioning by July 2009.
Among his initial tasks are installing county-wide radio systems, organizing emergency management dispatch and purchasing 911 equipment.
He has four years of experience in organizing Hyde County’s emergency services to learn from.
Spencer believes Hyde County has made basic strides since he filled the position. The county has worked heavily on emergency training, planning and communications.
According to Spencer, his main focus as emergency management coordinator has been to establish county-wide cooperation.
Pausing, Spencer said, “But there is a lot left to be done.”
He cites the creation of the Ponzer Fire Department and new 911 center, built last fall, as the county’s greatest achievements.
Spencer looks forward to the clear focus of his new job.
Along with serving Hyde County as emergency management coordinator, Spencer is the county’s fire marshall and safety director. He is also in charge of the Hyde’s county-wide phone system.
Although time-consuming, Spencer said he will miss his job.
Spencer, who was born and raised in Englehard, said, “I call Hyde County home.”
Spencer first left the county to attend college at North Carolina State University. After graduating from State, he worked 911 services in Raleigh and Williamston before moving back home in 1998.
Spencer also received a warm welcome in Carteret County.
Before starting his new job, Spencer said he will try to find a temporary place to live in Carteret County. He also plans on spending time on Ocracoke Island.
Spencer said his interest in and love for Hyde County will never wane.