On Thursday, longtime Adair County Emergency Management Director Mike Keltner made the surprise announcement that he would be resigning his position effective Oct. 4.
In his public resignation letter addressed to Adair County Judge Executive Larry Russell Bryant, Keltner wrote, “I truly appreciate your (Bryant’s) renewal of my appointment at the beginning of your term and your support in allowing me to serve Adair County and assisting surrounding counties in their times of need as Emergency Management Director. I am proud that Adair County stands more prepared than we have been before. It has filled my heart knowing that over the past nine and a half years I was able to participate in growing the agency as Director.
“I must inform you that I will be resigning my positions as Adair County Emergency Management Director, Adair County Search and Rescue Coordinator, Adair County Floodplan Manager and Adair County Local Emergency Planning Committee Chairperson with an end date of October 4th, 2024. This decision has come with many emotions, but I know I am leaving behind a well-developed agency and existing agency partnerships will hold our county in great hands while onboarding a new emergency manager.”
Keltner concludes his letter by stating, “Thank you again for allowing me to serve the people I love the most.”
Along with Keltner, Deputy Emergency Management Directors Tracy McCarol and Chad Wheet also wrote letters of resignation. All three have a final day of October 4.
Keltner and his deputies’ departures come only weeks after other county officials announced their resignations amidst ongoing turmoil in the county government. Sheriff Josh Brockman’s retirement goes into effect on Oct. 1, with his notice coming shortly after a disastrous fiscal court meeting last month. Coroner Roger Huckaby will vacate his office by the same date, citing issues with County Judge Executive Bryant.
The Adair County Community Voice received a report that on Saturday night, Sept. 14, Adair County Deputy Judge Executive Bridget Compton called dispatch with the aim of gaining access to a building that houses Emergency Management equipment on Service Road, with Deputy Judge Executive Compton requesting Sheriff Brockman to cut the lock off of the facility.
When asked if this incident was a catalyst for his departure, however, Keltner said that his decision to resign has been an ongoing debate he has had for some time now.
“It’s been something I’ve been tossing around. I’ve lost two grandmothers, a grandfather this year. My dad had to have a big surgery and I wasn’t sure about how he was going to do. I’ve dedicated nine and a half years—actually, a little bit more—to the county through emergency management. Being on call all the time, and I’ve taken on some extra responsibilities at home between some more farmland from my grandfather and things like that. I’ve been thinking about it… and I felt I had the agency where I wanted it to be and I thought it would be a good time to pass it along,” Keltner said.
When Keltner first became Emergency Management Director in early 2015, at the time, he was working EMS, working with the fire department, and, “I may have still been a deputy coroner at the time. I think I was doing all three,” Keltner remembered.
These roles prepared Keltner well for his time as Emergency Management Director. Since he took the position, the emergency management department has significantly expanded their operations. In 2015, “We started with one office, a hazmat trailer, and a truck,” he said. “Now we have drone capabilities, a full command trailer, we’ve increased our search and rescue program through partnerships with the fire departments. It really just got pretty big as a response agency. I feel like we’ve really grown.”
Both Sheriff Josh Brockman and Police Chief Evan Burton commented on Keltner’s resignation. Sheriff Brockman stated, “Mike went well beyond what he was required to do and the impact will be felt across all emergency services…. I have watched as Mike has built a model emergency management office and whoever comes behind him will inherit a well-maintained and functional office.”
Chief Burton said, “Keltner has assisted the Columbia Police Department several times with difficult situations. If the call was made, he responded. Keltner was always professional and passionate about his role as Emergency Management Director serving Adair County.”
In terms of the future, Keltner currently does not have any plans set in stone. The next weeks until his retirement, Keltner plans to continue doing all he can for Emergency Management. He has a meeting with FEMA where he hopes to get money for the community to put toward generators or storm shelters. In Keltner’s words, “I’m going to do what I can the last two weeks.”
“I couldn’t have done what I did without the support of the court. The media has helped… get the message out to the community… I appreciate the public support… I don’t have one bad interaction I can pick out. They’re always glad to see us… I hope the next director can continue our momentum,” Keltner said.
By Kenley Godby
kenley@adairvoice.com
