Jones appointed interim EMA director

The appointee has 40 years’ experience in emergency work.

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County Commissioners appointed Clark A. Jones as interim county emergency management director, effective immediately.

Jones, 61, of Poland, who was named interim director Thursday, had been operations manager for the agency since 2000.

Commissioners have advertised for a replacement for Walter Duzzny, who retired last Friday after 25 years as EMA director, and Jones said he has applied for the permanent directorship.

Before joining the county, Jones was regional general manager for Northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania for Rural Metro Ambulance Co. He began his career in 1967 as an ambulance crew member with its predecessor, Gold Cross Ambulance Co.

Jones was paid about $43,000 a year as EMA operations manager and said he hadn’t yet discussed with county officials his salary as interim director. As interim director, he supervises a staff of 19, including EMA office staff and 911 emergency dispatchers.

The advertised salary for the permanent EMA director, who will plan and coordinate emergency services, is $45,000 to $90,000 a year, and the application deadline is Dec. 14.

Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in public administration or related field and at least three years of emergency management experience with increasing responsibility levels, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

The commissioners also hired Cara G. Croyle and Brian Hallquist as 911 emergency dispatchers, effective next Monday. They also commended Henry Tribble, a hearing officer for the county’s Department of Job and Family Services, who retired last Friday after 36 years with the county.