By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
CASSOPOLIS - Cass County commissioners May 26 reclassified the emergency management coordinator as a full-time position with a salary range of $34,252 to $44,527.
Former Jefferson Township supervisor Bernie Williamson resigned effective 60 days after March 31, although she remains available to insure a smooth transition to her successor.
When she was contracted as emergency management coordinator there were no homeland security grants, which have significantly increased responsibilities.
In that April 5 memo the sheriff asked the Board of Commissioners to re-establish the position as full-time.
Williamson left her mark on the position she accepted in February 2001.
Williamson received the 2003 Michigan Emergency Management Association (MEMA) "Coordinator of the Year" award for counties with 50,000 population or less.
The award is given in recognition of dedication, cooperation and contributions to MEMA, which represents emergency responders of all disciplines throughout Michigan.