Starke County has chosen its next Emergency Medical Services director. Eric Wood was appointed to the position by the county commissioners Monday, although the fact that Wood said he didn’t plan to leave a position with another service raised some slight concern.
He’ll replace Travis Clary, who plans to go back to being a full-time paramedic November 1. Clary thanked the commissioners for their support over the years and expressed hope that the department will continue making improvements.
In his final report, Clary said the nationwide paramedic and EMT shortage continues to impact Starke County. There are currently three full-time paramedic positions and one full-time EMT position open. Clary said two full-time employees are leaving Starke County EMS for better-paying jobs elsewhere, but he hopes that a slight pay raised approved by the county council may help alleviate the issue.
