EPHRATA — The newly created Grant County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Division now has a leader.

Sheriff Tom Jones has appointed Sgt. Darrik Gregg as chief deputy of Emergency Management this week.

Gregg has been in the public safety sector for nearly 13 years. He has held titles of deputy, K-9 handler, corporal and sergeant. He is set to be sworn-in and receive the oath of office on Dec. 12 and will assume command on Jan. 1.

“Darrik embodies the true spirit of the sheriff’s office’s beliefs of community involvement and cooperation,” Jones said. “The new Emergency Management Division requires the direction of a strong leader who brings together cooperating agencies, communities and stakeholders in order to enhance the county’s preparedness, response and recovery from emergencies and disasters. I’m confident Darrik will do an exceptional job.”

The Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to approve Jones’ request to merge the Grant County Department of Emergency Management into the GCSO in October, with the merger becoming effective Jan. 1, 2017. An advisory board is in the works to help facilitate current and future emergency management needs around the county. GCEM’s Interim Director Sandi Duffey will be maintaining successful existing programs and missions.

“The profession of emergency management involves the organization and management of resources and responsibilities for dealing with all aspects of emergencies, in particular preparedness, response and recovery,” sheriff’s office spokesman Kyle Foreman explained. “Emergency management involves plans, framework and arrangements embracing a whole-community approach to preparing for, responding to and recovering from emergencies and disasters.”

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.