Etowah County Names First EMA Director

Veteran first responder Jim Slick appointed to lead Etowah County’s new Emergency Management Agency.

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Area News

ETOWAH COUNTY, Ala. — In a unanimous vote on Tuesday, September 16, the Etowah County Commission appointed Jim Slick as the county’s first Emergency Management Agency (EMA) director. The historic appointment marks a new chapter in how the county will prepare for and respond to emergencies.

The vote followed a series of interviews by a selection committee that included the sheriff, county engineer, and other emergency management professionals.

Slick, an Oxford native who has called Etowah County home for the past three years, became visibly emotional as he addressed the commission after his appointment was announced.

“I’m really looking forward to being this new EMA director and building the agency that will be one of the best, if not the best, in the state of Alabama,” Slick said. “I promise you; I will work hard to make that happen.”

With 35 years of emergency medical and public safety experience, Slick brings deep expertise to the role. He began his career with Oxford Emergency Medical Service in 1985, went on to work with the Oxford Fire Service, and later served as assistant fire chief at the Anniston Army Depot. For the past 11 years, he has worked with FEMA at the Center for Domestic Preparedness, training first responders from across the nation—including those who responded to the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting.

Etowah County Chief Executive Officer Shane Ellison praised Slick’s qualifications, but said his passion was what set him apart.

“There are lots and lots of really good technical reasons that we chose Mr. Slick for this position,” Ellison said. “But I think you saw right there exactly why he is number one in our book—the passion, dedication, and commitment to the citizens of Etowah County and all the communities we serve.”

Slick admitted that leaving FEMA was not easy. His 30-member staff, he said, felt like family. Still, he believes this new role is where he can best serve both his community and his loved ones.

When he officially assumes the role on October 6, the first day of the new fiscal year, Slick will initially be a “one-man show.” His first priority will be building a staff. From there, he intends to focus on planning, preparation, and county-wide training exercises to ensure readiness for disasters, whether severe weather, fires, hazardous materials, or domestic terrorism.

“Plans are only as good as their implementation,” Slick noted. “Practicing them is the key to making sure everyone is on the same page when disaster strikes.”

Beyond his public safety experience, Slick is also deeply involved in the community. He serves as the head coach for the Gadsden Middle School baseball team, where he emphasizes both skill and character. Before and after every game, he leads his players in prayer and reminds them they are valued.

As he prepares to lead Etowah County’s new EMA, Slick said his guiding principle will be service. “This is where my heart is,” he said. “I’m honored to serve, and I will give it everything I have.”