Interim ambulance chief hired
Staff writer
Paramedic Chuck Kenney, who earlier served as interim emergency medical service director before Curt Hasart was hired 10 months ago, was appointed Monday to be interim director again because of Hasart’s departure.
Hasart resigned two weeks ago after 10 months with the county. His last day is today.
He is under investigation by Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services for saying he had no pending criminal cases when he applied for a Kansas paramedic license in 2011. He also has been the subject of numerous complaints from employees.
Kenney first stepped up as interim director a year ago when previous director Travis Parmley resigned after weeks of criticism over county policies regarding hospital transfers and emergency rooms calling for help with procedures.
The county has not yet advertised an ambulance director opening.
Whether new applicants will be vetted, as Hasart was not, remains unknown.
Kenney has worked for the county ambulance service since Aug. 30, 2019.
In other business, the commission approved the county’s 2024 budget calling for an increase of 3.213 mills over the revenue-neutral rate; listened to an update on road work from interim road and bridge director Steve Hudson; and reviewed planning and zoning commission handbook updates with zoning director Sharon Omstead.