It’s been a busy storm season in Dallas County, and it’s been made more difficult with the absence of a full-time Emergency Management Coordinator. The County had hoped to have the position filled by now, but it looks like it’s going to take a bit longer.

Dallas County Sheriff Chad Leonard, who has been performing the duties of the position since Barry Halling’s retirement in April, says finding a successor to Halling has been an uphill battle. Leonard is also Chair of the commission to hire a new coordinator, and after the job was offered and declined by their top two choices, they’re now faced with the task of virtually starting over. However, Leonard believes the candidate they’re searching for is out there. “We did have 97 applicants apply for the position, (and) we narrowed it down to a small group. We have offered it out a couple different times, but for whatever reason it hasn’t been filled yet, so we’re back to the drawing board. I would assume we’re going to pull some more of these people in and do some interviews, and see if we can find that perfect fit for Dallas County.”

Leonard says the commission has a few candidates in mind, and he’s hopeful the position will be filled within a month. To learn more, listen to Wednesday’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program on air and at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.