Shank Phelps, who serves as an elected constable and sheriff’s deputy, can add another job to his ever-growing resume: emergency management director.
Supervisors named Phelps as the heir to exiting Oktibbeha County Emergency Management Agency Director Jim Britt’s position in a 4-1 vote Monday. Only District 2 Supervisor Orlando Trainer opposed the appointment.
The board picked Phelps ahead of OCEMA Deputy Director Kristen Campanella and Todd Salmon, an Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Department deputy, after interviewing the trio in open session and discussing the personnel move in executive session.
County Administrator Emily Garrard said Phelps’ salary should be determined later this week. Supervisors are expected to approve the figure in June.
“This is an honor for me to serve,” Phelps said following his appointment. “I’ve worked for the citizens of Oktibbeha County for 23 years. As a deputy sheriff and a law enforcement officer, I was on the side where you react. Now, I’m going to be on the side of planning.”
Balancing his three jobs should not be a problem, he said. Phelps is not allowed to perform constable tasks while acting in his capacity as a deputy, and he’ll experience the same restrictions as OCEMA director.
Other county officials face similar restrictions, including District 1 Supervisor John Montgomery and District 2 Constable Curtis Randle. Both serve as Starkville firefighters.
“I won’t let (current roles) come between each other,” Phelps said.
As the county’s new emergency director, Phelps inherits a department soon to turn dirt on a major storm shelter project. Britt announced in April that the county should receive federal grant funding for a $4.2 million facility that will house about 3,500 people on Industrial Park Road.
Supervisors are expected to find OCEMA a new base of operations in the next few years as the department has simply outgrown its home at Oktibbeha County Jail.
“Mr. Britt has done a good job. I think (OCEMA ranks) No. 1 in a lot of things, and I want to continue that as the new director,” Phelps said. “I hope we can find a new place — we’ve needed one for years. (Supervisors) have that in their minds.”
Britt will conclude an almost 15-year tenure as Oktibbeha County’s chief emergency management agent near the end of June. After working in some public service capacity for about 40 years, he previously told The Dispatch the timing was right to begin a new chapter in his life and enjoy the benefits for which he has worked.
He is expected to assist with the transition through his last days as OCEMA director and, if needed, beyond.
“All the county employees, they’re more like family than anything else, and I couldn’t ask for a better group than the board of supervisors. Everything that we’ve done here for Oktibbeha County is the result of a team effort from top to bottom,” Britt said last month. “I’ve been fortunate here in my time and have enjoyed working with the city, county and university. I’ve also enjoyed just getting out in the community and talking to civic organizations, manufacturers — you name it, anytime they’ve asked if I’d come and run my mouth, I would. It’s been a dream.”
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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