Wilson makes county systems reliable

By Cornelia Grace Harrison News-Herald Reporter

CADIZ — Eric Wil - son has been a man of many talents.

Though a native of Virginia, he’s lived in Harrison County for several decades. His care for the county and its residents is obvious in every part of his life, but most importantly in his career.

He served in the Air Force for four years, joining the security police career field in hopes it would help him later get a job as a civilian police officer. A few years after being honorably discharged from the military, he joined the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office.

Part of his inspiration to join law enforcement came from the ever-popular reality TV show, COPS. The show premiered during Wilson’s senior year of high school.

He said, “At that point, I knew I did not want to work inside, nor do the same thing day in and day out. I felt called to serve, and law enforce - ment was that route. My early academic success in college reinforced my decision. After having taught at Eastern Gateway Community College Police Academy, I had a strong desire to teach at the college level.”

So he returned to school in 2009 to pursue a degree in justice studies at Kent State.

That education has helped Wilson lead in Harrison. “I believe that my classes helped me to better understand the job I performed; however, experience was the best teacher,” Wilson said. “Gaining insight into psychology, addiction, and de-escalation techniques were invaluable. I have worked with many professionals, and have always listened when they offered advice. I feel that you should never stop learning and always remain humble.”

He joined HCSO as a reserve deputy first in 1999 before becoming full-time in 2001. He served as the DARE officer and school resource

Politics

officer in 2002. “I believe that my varied experience in public safety, at both the local and federal level, have given me a better insight into all facets of response and keeping our citizens, as well as fellow first responders safe. Understanding the needs and inner workings of law enforcement as well as the fire/EMS service are invaluable,” he explained.

From 2004 to 2014, Wilson worked part-time for the county health department as an emergency planner and trainer. He left the HCSO in early 2015 to be appointed director of Homeland Security/Emergency Management for Harrison County and director of 911. He remains a commissioned deputy with the HCSO and serves when needed.

Submitted.

“When the position of director for EMA opened up, I had several long discussions with my wife about the job. I also discussed the decision with my boss at the time, Sheriff Myers. At the end of the day, it was a great opportunity for me pro -

See EMA Page 8

House bill 52 avoids potential EMS issues

By Rebecca Bratten Weiss Harrison News-Herald Staff Writer

House Bill 52, which corrects the problems that would have arisen for Ohio EMTs, as a result of House Bill 509, has passed.

House Bill 509 had made changes to emergency medical training services that would have made it harder for emergency personnel and departments.

Hopedale Fire Chief Mark Marchetta, who is also the chairman of the emergency medicine fire and medical transportation board for the state of Ohio, stated to the News-Herald that HB 509 was “a perfect example of bad legislation. What the bill intended to be and what it ended up being were completely different.”

WWII soldier receives military honors

By Cornelia Grace Harrison News-Herald Reporter DEERSVILLE —

Ohio Army National Guard member Korben Spurlock was recently able to give military honors to his great-grandfather, William Clyde Garner.

The bill would have been harmful to EMS, Marchetta said, because it was going to eliminate all continuing education sites that were housed in local departments. People would have been forced to seek out colleges or training centers to receive or continue their EMS-related education.

“Every member of every fire department would have to find an alternate source for continuing education. This would add to their travel time and expense,” said Marchetta. “This was going to be harmful across the state.”

When asked about the rationale behind the bill, Marchetta said, “that’s the million dollar question.” He explained that there are groups that look at conditions and

See BILL Page 8

Garner honorably served in WWII in the 148th Infantry Battalion, seeing action in the Philippines and the Solomon Islands. He was awarded several honors, including a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. He passed away on Oct. 18, 1980, and his wife was unable to get the local VFW to come out to perform military honors. Garner’s family never received a flag, and Garner did not get a military burial.

Spurlock set out to change that. When he had the opportunity to join the Military Funeral Honors Team, he took it with the goal of honoring those who had served and giving Garner the recognition he earned.

On April 21, Spurlock gathered with a few family members in the Patterson Union Cemetery in Deersville to perform the proper ceremony for Garner. Rifle volleys were fired by the Guernsey County Veterans Council Honor Guard with Taps played by Carol McCutcheon from Bugles Across America. Spurlock and a National Guard soldier performed the folding of the flag.

Pastor Lee Randolph of Goshen Community Church of the Nazarene gave a short memorial service prior to the military ceremony. Randolph was Garner’s pastor for many years and officiated his funeral in 1980. Afterward, the family went to do one of Garner’s favorite activities: eating ice cream at the Deersville General Store.

If you would like military honors provided for a veteran who served in the Army, or if someone’s family member never received military honors for their Army service, please contact the state coordinator and schedule a service at 614-551-9262 for more information.

Scio busy with road repairs and water planning

By Kristi Tullis Harrison News-Herald Staff Writer

SCIO

– The Village of Scio held its second council meeting of the month on April 26.

The court date for the annexation is scheduled for May 3. At that time, oral arguments will be heard for the annexation petition. Additionally, a court date has been set for Ordinance 2012-007 and a list of dates for the lawsuit can be provided on request.

Ongoing water projects for the town are on schedule. The paving portion for the Brown, Maple, Walnut, and Grandview streets will be done in May. The VA and The Thrasher Group are work- ing on the preliminary planning and engineering for Eastport Road and Elm Street. The $300,000 state grant will be used in conjunction with additional grants for new water-line replacements. A water leak that was determined to be on the proper owner’s side on 118 E. College Street has been resolved. New plumbing will be installed at the park this week. There is a report forthcoming on the pending projects at the wastewater treatment plant. The engineer will present options for Hilltop Drive. There is no additional information for 152 E. College St. at this time. The owner at 205 E. College St. has reported an issue with the sewer. As this is part of the sewer upgrade project on East College Street and Fuller Avenue, the contractor has been notified of a potential solution. A pre-construction meeting was held on March 22 with ODOT and the District 11 office. The delay in this project is due to AEP not mov -

See SCIO Page 8