Commissioners hire new assistant EMA director

NORWALK — Huron County Commissioners Tuesday voted to hire Ryan Gillmor as Huron County's new deputy EMA director, beginning in July. He will replace Tina Norton, when she retires. Gillmor, a Willard Police Department detective with 26 years on the department, will begin in the new position July 5. Gillmor said he eagerly looks forward to his new position with the county. "I'm excited to try something new and maybe bring some experience to the job," Gillmor said. "I'm just really looking forward to working with the 911 coordinator and the EMA director." Gillmor said his years in area law enforcement have seen positive interactions with many law-enforcement, fire, EMS and other emergency officials, including Huron County EMA director Art Mead. "I'd like to continue to build upon those relationships," he said. Commissioner Terry Boose expressed satisfaction with Gillmor's hiring, which passed the board's vote unanimously. "I think this is a step in the right direction," Boose said. "I'm really excited about this." He explained, however, the commission has had several exceptional prospects from whom to choose and were pleased to choose among so many. "We had a lot of good candidates," he said. Norton will leave with 31 year's experience. Norton said she felt fortunate to have served under only three EMA directors over her career, whereas many nearby counties saw multiple directors come and go, in part due to the rigors of the job. "A lot of other county EMAs had an increased turnover," she said. "I've only had three bosses, so that's pretty good." The deputy director recalled serving under Bill Ommert, Jason Roblin and Mead. "They're all three unique," she said. "All very good." Norton will train Gillmor until her retirement date of Aug. 5, then take time to enjoy the sunlight on her home deck and traveling with her husband, Roy, on short trips around the U.S. "I can't wait to have no calendar, no appointments, no alarm clock, for once in my life," said Norton, who began her work life at 11 as a babysitter. Norton said she considered herself lucky to have served with a great many extraordinary emergency leaders, particularly Huron County Sheriff Todd Corbin, New London Fire Chief John Chapin and Willard Fire Chief Joe Reiderman. "I've met some of the best people in the world," she said. "They've been wonderful. Very dedicated."