The El Paso County Emergency Services Agency elected a new chair, vice chair, secretary and treasurer at its January meeting.Commander Jim Reid, El Paso County fire marshal, was elected chairman of the board. Reid, who was appointed to serve on the board in August 2006 through the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, will serve a three-year term. He is the division commander for the county’s Office of Emergency Management. “We have been fortunate to have Commander Reid on the board,” said immediate past ESA chair and El Paso County commissioner Sallie Clark. “He’s an asset to our board and the community. Jim’s knowledge of regional emergency planning and his experience in contract matters is an important asset as the ESA proceeds with a competitive bidding process toward a new ambulance transport contract.”Jeff Wanderscheid, Colorado Springs Fire Department firefighter, was elected vice chair. Wanderscheid previously served on the board as treasurer. He has been with CSFD for 10 years and is a state certified EMT/paramedic. In addition, Wanderscheid is a Desert Storm veteran. “Jeff brings many years of experience and a unique skill set to the Board,” said immediate past vice chair and City Council member Margaret Radford. “His work in the emergency medical services field will help to ensure continued quality EMS to the citizens and visitors to El Paso County and the city of Colorado Springs.”Robert Helton, former chief of the Cimarron Hills Fire Department, was chosento fill the treasurer position vacated by Jeff Wanderscheid. Helton has been a firefighter for 27 years and retired from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years. He represents the Pikes Peak Fire Chiefs’ Forum, an organization comprised of county fire chiefs, fire district officials and other EMS professionals.Battalion chief Bryan Jack from Tri-Lakes Fire retained his position as secretary. Jack represents the county fire professional position on the ESA board and is a certified EMT/paramedic. In addition to his duties as a firefighter, Jack serves on the Monument town council.
