By DOUG WILSON
Herald-Whig Senior Writer
John Simon said his appointment as interim deputy director of the Adams County Ambulance District represents the kind of mutual aid offered by public safety entities all the time. Simon, the Adams County Emergency Management director, will fill in after the departure of deputy ambulance director Tony Slater at the end of June. "We're going to work through the next week in handing over those responsibilities," Simon said. He said mutual aid is frequently offered by neighboring ambulance districts, fire districts and other emergency services to most effectively provide assistance. It is offered when additional resources are needed and is temporary. Because he will have to continue doing his emergency management job, Simon said he will not be picking up 100 percent of Slater's duties. Larry Flesner, chairman of the Adams County Ambulance Board, said Simon's previous work at the ambulance district should make for a smooth transition. "We know his abilities, and we're glad he can step in quickly in this situation," Flesner said. Both Flesner and Simon said the interim position could last as long as the end of November, but they expect that the deputy director slot will be filled or the district will be reorganized by the beginning of the new fiscal year on Dec. 1. Simon, 33, has been emergency management director since June 2005. Before that he was with the ambulance district full-time starting in October 1998. "Since I came from there originally, I'm familiar with (emergency management service) rules and union process and a large majority of the staff," Simon said. Slater tendered his resignation this month in order to accept a job with the Brown County Ambulance Service. -- dwilson@whig.com/221-3372
