Staff Writer

March 27, 2000 10 PM

After weeks of interviews, discussion and quiet consideration, the Pike County Commission has named the new Emergency Management Director.

With a unanimous vote of the six-member commission, Larry Davis of Brundidge became the one who will take over the position vacated by the retirement of Ralph Fowee, who was the part-time EMA director for the county before retiring in December 1999. The vote was taken after commissioners returned from an executive session called for personnel matters. According to law, executive sessions are allowed by the Alabama Sunshine Law when "the good name and character" of someone discussed.

The six commissioners failed twice to openly vote on their choices for the position at the Feb. 28 commission meeting. Tallies from both secret ballots gave two votes apiece to Davis, Deslie Galloway and Michael Tatom.

On March 13, the commission didn’t vote on the matter because of the absence of one of the commissioners.

Now, they have named their man.

"This has been a really tough decision," Chairman Larry Meeks said.

He thanked the commissioners for their "unity" in making the final decision.

Davis, who is retired from the Army National Guard and currently serves as housing rehabilitation specialist for cities receiving block grants, was selected from a total of 13 applicants. He, along with Tatom and Galloway, both of Troy, were the only three interviewed for the job.

During his interview, Davis said he wants to enlist the help of volunteers for the local agency.

"A good program is your citizens force," he said. "I’ve always been a part of a good organization and I don’t want to be a part of a bad one."

County Administrator Steve Hicks said Davis will go to work as soon as he’s available.

"We hope it’s immediately," Meeks said.

Davis, Galloway and Tatom were not in attendance at the meeting.