New JEMS director named

Jay Emergency Medical Service has a new director.

Jay County Commissioners agreed to hire Kyle Gerlach during a brief meeting Monday.

Gerlach, 44, has worked with Jay Emergency Medical Service for more than four years as a paramedic. He’s taking over the position from Larry Nuckols, who resigned June 25 and shifted to a paramedic role at Heartland Ambulance Services. (Nuckols is still working for Jay County on a part-time basis.)

Jay Emergency Medical Service has three director positions, with Gary Barnett and John McFarland serving in the other two roles.

A resident of Coldwater, Ohio, Gerlach has worked in EMS roles full-time for about 18 years. He served as director of Mercer County Emergency Medical Service for two years and as operations manager for Spirit Medical Transport in Greenville, Ohio, for about a dozen years.

Gerlach earned his paramedic license from Rhodes State College in Lima, Ohio. He also has a bachelor’s degree in education from Ohio Northern University of Ada, Ohio. Prior to his time in emergency services, he worked as a middle school and high school English teacher in Versailles, Ohio, for about three years.

“I just have always been fascinated by medicine and helping people, it was something I wanted to pursue,” he said. “That led to management roles where I was still able to do patient care, but also lead people, and it’s just taken off since then.”

Gerlach will handle scheduling, supply orders and billing issues for the department. Commissioner Chad Aker said after reviewing the job candidates, Gerlach stood out as the clear choice.

“We felt that Kyle fit what we were looking for perfectly,” said Aker.

Barnett recommended commissioners hire Gerlach effective Monday. (His first full day on the job is today.)

Barnett noted Gerlach’s experience in emergency services administration.

“I expect the transition to be flawless,” said Barnett.

In related business, commissioners approved shifting Jay Emergency Medical Service bank account access from Nuckols to Gerlach. They also rescinded Nuckols’ power of attorney and granted it to Gerlach.

“I’m looking forward to working with all the employees, getting input from them,” said Gerlach. “There’s been great leadership, but new ideas can always help continue moving things in the right direction.”