Emergency leader

Jay County Emergency Management has a new director.

Amy Blakely, a Redkey resident, started near the end of January as the new department head after former director Jessica Ooten moved to a full-time position with Jay Emergency Medical Services.

Blakely’s department is specifically designed to deal with natural disaster protocol, including weather, and getting information out to the public. This also extends to the coronavirus pandemic and distributing extra personal protective equipment to county departments. Planning is a huge part of the job, she noted.

“I’ve always been interested in the big picture, which is what Emergency Management does, as far as planning for events, planning for disasters,” Blakely said. “I’m a planner by nature, so it’s just a natural fit. “

And with the recent snowy weather and road conditions, she’s had her hands full. Blakely has been posting updates to the department’s Facebook page every day and coordinating with Jay County Sheriff’s Office, Jay County Highway Department, Jay School Corporation and local media for travel notices and cancellations.

Making connections and planning are a huge part of the job, Blakely explained. She emphasized that her role is a group effort with different departments.

“I’m a big ‘we’ person. We will manage this,” she said.

Blakely worked part time for Jay Emergency Medical Service for three years in the 1990s. She also trained for the K-9 unit in Adams County while working at the police department.

For the last three years, she’s been working in the sheriff’s business office at the courthouse.

She worked as a 911 operator in the county for 15 years prior.

She’s also been the preparedness coordinator at Jay County Health Department for eight years.

Ooten, who previously held the director role for about two years, is now working as an emergency medical technician with Jay Emergency Medical Service. She explained she wanted to return to a more hands-on job.

“I enjoy all aspects of public safety, really,” she said. “But I really found my love for being with patients in the EMS … being there for (patients) in their worst time, that’s kinda what drives me personally …”

Blakely’s familiarity with the role made the transition go smoothly, Ooten continued.

Her time as a 911 operator, including several years as assistant director, helped Blakely to establish the relationships she now uses regularly. She also learned how to manage a budget and payroll while working at the sheriff’s business office.

Something she recalls about working in the 911 department is how often residents would call asking about the weather.

Before, she would recommend those individuals to other sources. Now, she’s the one making decisions and posting online about weather and disaster information.

Local residents curious about natural disaster procedures or weather conditions can check the Jay County Emergency Management Facebook page or call (260) 726-6908.