In a special called session Dec. 8, the Franklin County Commission moved to hire Jody Hitt as the new Emergency Management Director. Hitt will replace the former director, Roy Gober, who retired Dec. 1 after more than seven years of service in the position.

Commission chairman Barry Moore said 13 total applications were submitted and 12 were interviewed for the position.

“We appreciate the job that Roy did for us,” Moore said. “We never had to worry about anything because Roy got it done.

“After looking through all of the applications and some help from the state EMA as for what to look for, we were able to find a good fit.”

Moore said the Commission considered options of hiring full-time and part-time for the position.

“After considering the options of hiring for full-time or part-time we felt like we needed someone that could serve full-time,” Moore said.

District 3 Commissioner, Rayburn Massey, said he was impressed with the number of qualified applicants they were able to choose from.

“We had many qualified candidates,” Massey said. “We were lucky to have good applicants to choose from.”

Hitt said he had some big shoes to fill going forward.

“Roy did such a tremendous job for this area,” Hitt said. “To pick up where he left off and go forward is going to be an adventure. I’m thankful for everything the commission has done.”

The official hire date for Hitt was Dec. 9.