Resident urges Blair County to fill EMA director post, citing readiness concerns

Karen Hamill, a Mount Altona resident and chair of the Blair County Local Emergency Planning Committee, urged the Blair County Board of Commissioners on Thursday to begin a diligent search to fill the county Emergency Management Agency director/coordinator vacancy after the retirement of Mark Taylor.

Hamill told the board she was not representing any organization and described three decades of hazmat and emergency-planning experience. She said the county needs “somebody in that position who is able to competently and confidently lead and take command” during an emergency so first responders can remain safe and perform their duties.

Hamill cited Title 35 and told commissioners the statute requires a professionally competent local emergency coordinator who can plan, coordinate among agencies and control coordinated operations by local emergency management forces. She said the county’s current acting coordinator has a PEMA certificate but does not, in her view, meet the “years of experience” and leadership needed for the role.

The public comment closed without immediate board direction recorded in the transcript. No formal personnel action took place at the June 18 meeting; commissioners did not announce a hiring timeline. The board’s next regular meeting is June 25, 2026.