County emergency director stepping down

Flathead County commissioners and members of the Flathead Emergency Communications Center Board are soon to begin the process of hiring a new director of the county Office of Emergency Services.

Scott Sampey has submitted his resignation from the emergency post, effective April 30, the date his contract with the county expires. Sampey has been in the post for two years.

Sampey couldn’t be reached for comment.

County Administrator Mike Pence said Sampey has accepted an emergency services job in Wisconsin.

Because the Office of Emergency Services director reports to both the county commissioners and the communications center board, Pence anticipates a hiring committee with representatives from both entities will be created to evaluate options to replace Sampey.

When Sampey was hired two years ago, a few months before the new 911 center opened, county officials wanted a department head to oversee the entire combined emergency services building, which includes the 911 dispatch center, emergency management services, the Fire Service Agency and the hazardous mitigation team.

Pence anticipates some discussion during the hiring process about whether to continue with an overall manager or make changes in how the department is managed.

Pence said county officials were disappointed to receive Sampey’s resignation.

“We didn’t want to see him go,” he said.

Reporter Shelley Ridenour may be reached at 758-4439 or sridenour@dailyinterlake.com.