Bishop resigns as Kentucky EMS director

By JOHN HULTGREN
Kentucky EMS Connection

FRANKFORT — Brian Bishop, the executive director for the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services, announced his resignation to the board today.

Bishop was named the first executive director for the newly formed KBEMS on Nov. 1, 2000. Before his appointment he was the director for Washington County EMS.

"It's been a great pleasure to work with many of you from the beginning," Bishop said to his staff who were seated at the board meeting. "We've put together a good team and have done a lot of good work."

Bishop will remain at KBEMS until the end of May. He did not mention any future employment plans.

Ronnie Day, the executive director for the Kentucky Fire Commission, explained that the Kentucky Community and Technical College System will post the vacancy and would refer a selection of candidates to KBEMS. Any recommendations made by KBEMS would be sent to Chancellor Dr. Keith Bird.

"I hope KCTCS fills the position," said Mark Harrison, president of the Kentucky Ambulance Providers Association.

And after the meeting, some KBEMS staff members expressed concerns for their jobs. "We're not merit employees anymore," one said. KBEMS was placed under KCTCS last fall.

Bishop began the meeting with an invocation that included a prayer for Patty Jeffries, who is seriously ill. Jefferies has been responsible for processing initial certifications, challenges, and reinstatements for EMTs. Bishop said it was doubtful that she would be able to return to work. Jeffries was married one month ago and recently became a grandmother.

Copyright © 2007 The Kentucky EMS Connection. All rights reserved. News stories may be copyrighted by another organization. Original material may be reproduced provided source is credited.