State treasurer rep talks veterans, disability programs

The Lawrence County commission accepted county EMS director Buddy Fry’s formal letter of his intentions to retire from the position later this year.

Fry began his career in EMS in January 1973, giving him 45 years of service, and in the letter said the challenge of bringing countywide service after the former Southeast Ohio EMS announced it would cease to operate at the end of 2010 was one he gladly accepted.

“Our team of dedicated management personnel and medical director worked diligently to make that transition painless and successful. Since 2011, we have continued to work hard to ensure that LCEMS is always at the forefront in the delivery of emergency care, treating all our patients with cutting edge technology and the most advanced pre-hospital care available anywhere in the nation,” the letter states. “I appreciate all the support you have offered me personally, as well as your support for the agency, in our efforts to keep LCEMS at the top level in the provision of emergency medical care. I feel I can rest assured that you will continue to support LCEMS and the concept that the citizens of Lawrence County deserve the very best pre-hospital emergency care.”

Fry’s retirement is effective Dec. 16.

Also at the meeting, Brett Looney, director of the Lawrence County Juvenile Center, addressed the commission about a recommendation from the Ohio State Department of Youth Services for a natural gas generator to be used during power outages or other emergency situations.

He said that a contractor he has been working with had two units available, one brand new and one slightly used.

Looney said he wanted to purchase the used unit due to a significantly lower cost, as well as having very little use on it.

“It’s been in service for about 18 months and has less than 40 hours of use,” he said. He added that with the unit having so little use on it, it would be treated as new and would receive the full warranty.

Looney said that he would be able to purchase the generator within his budget, but added that the center may need some assistance with installation and maintenance, which the commission agreed to.

Jamie Barker, with the Ohio State Treasurer’s Office, addressed the commission as well about things the state treasurer’s office has been working on, including a resource guide for veterans and STABLE accounts for eligible people with disabilities.

He said the veteran’s resource guide contains information regarding housing, jobs and other services available to veterans, which he dropped off at the county veterans services office.

STABLE accounts are tax-free savings plans for disability-related expenses, and do not affect needs-based benefits.

Those with disabilities eligible for a STABLE account may also request a debit card, that pulls from the account, for qualified expenses, which include basic living expenses, housing, transportation, education, assistive technology, employment training, personal support services, legal fees, health and wellness and financial management. For more information on STABLE accounts, visit www.stableaccount.com.

In other action, the commission:

• Approved the Dog Warden Report dated Sept. 23, 2017.

• Approved 34 transfer funds.

• Approved one appropriation.

• Declared October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Lawrence County.

• Met in executive session with Lawrence County Department of Job and Family Services Director Terry Porter, LCDJFS Assistant Director Rich Blankenship and county auditor Jason Stephens regarding collective bargaining. No action was taken.

There will be two commission meetings next week. The first will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Spare Time in Ironton, and the second will be 11 a.m. Friday at Collins Career Technical Center in Chesapeake.