After helping guide Barton County through the 2001 Hoisington tornado and the COVID-19 pandemic, longtime Barton County Emergency Management Director Amy Miller will retire retiring at the end of the year after 37 years with the county.
Miller was recognized by the Barton County Commission Thursday morning. But, while sorry to see her leave, commissioners also met Sean Kelly, a county engineering tech and assistant emergency manager, who was promoted to fill the post.
“Amy Miller was hired on Jan. 10 1986, and is currently the county second-longest working county employee,” said County Administrator Matt Patzner. She announced her retirement earlier this year and leaves the post as of Dec. 31.
Miller couldn’t be at the meeting, but Patzner read the letter of appreciation that they will present to her, along with a commemorative clock.
“Few employees today have reached 37 years of service, fewer employees have reached 37 years while dealing with natural and man-made disasters, as well as insurance, workers compensation and such matters,” he read.
“Having worked in various departments in the county, and with a background in journalism, you were a natural selection for a job that you understand, developing plans and response to the disasters we face on a daily basis,” he continued. “You were tasked with answering our ‘what ifs’ and you never failed in providing obtainable solutions that kept our citizens, our infrastructure safe and operational.
“Focus, prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation are words we associated with your position,” Patzner read. “Educated, measured, well-intentioned, responsible and collaborative are words we associated with you.
“The hours spent in tabletop exercises paled in comparison to response to the Hoisington tornado, the global pandemic and other disasters over the last 37 years,” he noted. “Through it all he remained committed to your mission. For what you have brought to the table and what you have left for your legacy, you are appreciated.”
“Amy Miller is a name most everybody in Barton County recognizes and she does an excellent job,” said District 1 Commissioner Duane Reif, a Hoisington resident who remembers well the twister that hit the community. “There are a lot of other emergency managers who couldn’t have done as good of a job. I just want to thank her for everything she does.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” said District 5 Commissioner Donna Zimmerman, who is the former Barton County clerk. “It was interesting working with her for all these years, and watching her and how she handled disasters and everything with grace and professionalism. I appreciated the opportunity having worked with her for so many years.”
Filing the post
Kelly was hired on Aug. 7 2017, as the engineering technician. He has been the assistant emergency manager for three years.
As emergency management director, he will continue in the engineering tech role and will work directly with Patzner. “He will provide for emergency services while continuing to provide for needed protective services with the Engineering Office,” Patzner said.
Kelly has a degree in emergency management and homeland security through Barton Community College.
“Welcome aboard Sean,” said commission Chairman Shawn Hutchinson, District 3. “You’ve got big shoes to fill.”
“I Look forward to the opportunity to hit the ground running,” Kelly said.
“It’s good to see us be able to fill those shoes from within,” said District 2 Commissioner Barb Esfeld.
