The Louisa County Board of Supervisors took action at their recent meeting to fill a vacancy in the Emergency Management Office. Kenny Marlette of Wapello was chosen to serve as Interim Louisa County Emergency Management Coordinator. Marlette replaces Brian Hall, who passed away unexpectedly on January 23rd.

Marlette, a Wapello native, has a degree in Criminal Justice from Southeastern Community College in Burlington and is a veteran of the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office since 2006. He has served on Louisa County Patrol, driven for the Wapello Ambulance Service, has been a member of the Wapello Police Department and was named 2023 Iowa Telecommunicator of the Year. Marlette is currently employed as the county’s dispatch department supervisor. Marlette recently spoke with KCII news about his experience and this opportunity.

Marlette said, “You assess potential hazards. Implement preparedness plans, coordinate efforts during disasters, communicate with stakeholders of that disaster and oversee recovery operations following emergencies. What I like about working with the public is that it’s something different every time. Every time the phone rings in the dispatch center, it’s something different every day. I want to let the public know I’m here for them, to help out with anything that they need. Just like in the dispatch role I’m here in this role to assist with anything they would need in that sense.”

To accommodate the fluctuating duties, during this interim period, Marlette will not abandon his work at the dispatch office and will remain available to cover absences, emergencies and other needs. He will receive approximately 75 percent of his current salary as dispatch supervisor and Hall’s previous salary as EMA coordinator, with no overtime pay. Marlette began the required coursework for the position earlier this month.

A 28E agreement is scheduled to begin July 1st that would merge the Sheriff’s Office dispatch center with the County’s Emergency Services department.  

You can hear more from Marlette next week on In Touch With Southeast Iowa.