The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Staff Reports
Posted: Sunday, January 21, 2018 11:20 AM
Local Sevier County EMA Director Stepping Down
Mathews said he was approached by D&S Builders in Sevier County around two months ago to serve in the role of Chief Operating Officer. He said the decision to take the role was a difficult one, aided in part by the Mayor's Office and his staff in Sevier County.
Mathews' last day as EMA Director will be August 18, 2017; he will begin in his new position at D&S on August 21.
After Mathews steps down, Assistant Director Joe Ayers will take the place as Interim EMA Director. It is not known if Ayers will take the role permanently after serving as Interim Director.
Ayers has a history of working with emergency management as a firefighter and paramedic from the Gatlinburg Fire Department.
Mathews served as EMA Director for eight years. He will remain employed with the office part-time. Though his exact duties in the role are not yet known, part-time work generally includes public relations assistance, training, events and office work.
"I put a lot of years into emergency services," said Mathews. "It was a tough decision to leave. But I want to remain clear that I live and work in Sevier County, and I will continue to do so."
"It has been an absolute pleasure to work with the men and women of emergency services for the last 13 years," he continued. "I will miss every one of them, and I hope I get to see them in my part-time work for emergency services and in my new position at D&S."
