BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Top Photo: Ernie Baggett is taking a new position with the ACCA, while Gary Weaver will step up to take Baggett’s position at the end of this month.
Autauga County Emergency Management Director Ernie Baggett has tendered his resignation to the County Commission and will be moving on to a position with the Association of County Commissions of Alabama at the end of March.
Baggett has served Autauga County as the EMA Director since 2013. He told Commission members Tuesday evening that the decision was a difficult one to make, and he is thankful for their support over the years.
Replacing Baggett will be the current EMA Deputy Director Gary Weaver. The Commission voted Tuesday night to begin advertising to hire an EMA Deputy Director to replace fill the now vacant position.
Commissioners thanked Baggett for his years of diligent service to Autauga County. They echoed sentiments that the past few months have proven his dedication after the storms of Jan. 12. On the positive side, Commissioners said that they will continue to work closely with Baggett in his new position with the ACCA.
“I honestly want to say thank you, very much,” Baggett said. “I truly enjoyed working with you. This has not been an easy decision to leave. I really appreciate all of you and everything you have always done for us.”
In his new capacity, Baggett will work closely with all county commissions across the state on the administration side of emergency funding after disasters and response to those disasters.
Gary Weaver than addressed the Commission and accepted their recommendation for his new position as EMA Director.
“Thank you for the opportunity, it means a lot,” Weaver told the Commission members.
Commission members agreed Weaver will have his hands full, but the county officials have shown they work well together through the best and worst of times.
For the past 10 years Weaver and Baggett have worked hand in hand, but their friendship spans many years. They served at Dannelly Field in Montgomery together and have a lot of history and respect for one another.
We appreciate Ernie Baggett for all he has done for the county’s EMA department and wish him well in this new adventure.
