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Michael Bunner is the new Warren County Director of Emergency Services.
The county commissioners announced the hiring of Bunner on Thursday.
“I wasn’t going to take no for an answer this time,” Bunner said with a chuckle.
He was a candidate for the position several years ago when the commissioners hired Bill Becker.
Bunner replaces Becker, who is the Deerfield Twp. Administrator and also a Middletown city councilman.
“I’m excited. It’s going to be fun,” Bunner said. “There have been some changes there, so hopefully I can provide some continuity. I’m looking to be here a long time.”
As head of emergency services, Bunner will be responsible for the 911 emergency calling operations, Homeland Security and Disaster planning and response, the Local Emergency Planning Committee, extremely hazardous materials registration and response planning.
He also will work with all the law enforcement and fire organizations in the county, as well as with his counterparts in other counties and the State Disaster Services staff and Homeland Security organizations.
Bunner was a sergeant first class in the Army and was a senior leader in the Army’s Special Operations Forces responsible for bringing military stability and humanitarian relief during operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq.
“Coming out of the military, it’s hard to get into corporate America,” Bunner said. “But I’m a servant and I want to work with like-minded individuals serving Warren County. I want to be part of this team as we work to prepare Warren County for the future.”
Bunner’s first day will be Monday. He said he plans to observe for the first few weeks to determine what the priorities are and then will begin preparing a plan.
“He’s been there and done that,” Warren County Administrator Dave Gully said. “None of this is particularly new to him other than it being in a civilian environment. The concepts are the same and I’m sure he will do a good job.”
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