Deschutes 911 director stepping down

Less than a month after a critical bond measure passed to pay for Deschutes County 911 services, the agency’s director has resigned, citing family and health reasons.

Last month, voters overwhelmingly passed a new, slightly smaller five-year 911 operating levy by a 3-to-1 ratio.

In a letter sent last week to county Administrator Tom Anderson, Rob Poirier said he was resigning effecting June 14, saying he was doing so “with mixed emotions … due to changing family dynamics and personal health considerations.”

“This position is one that is extremely difficult and takes a lot out of a person and in my case, created some additional health risks that are better addressed early on, Poirier said Wednesday in a statement sent to reporters.

“This agency requires and deserves to have leadership with a great deal of passion for not only the District, but for the 9-1-1 industry as a whole. As of late, it has become increasingly difficult for me to fulfill that obligation.”

Here’s the rest of Poirier’s statement:

“In looking back over the past two and a half years, I am proud of the many accomplishments of the District. Our training and quality assurance programs have reached new heights and continue to develop in a positive way. Our emphasis on improved strategies in areas such as domestic violence and advanced emergency medical dispatch continue to empower 9-1-1 staff with the tools they need to help improve the quality of life of our citizens. Of course, it brings me a great deal of pride to know that we have done much to restore the public trust in our agency as evidenced by the overwhelming support for our last local option levy.

“The District has a solid senior management staff and Deputy County Administrator Erik Kropp has certainly demonstrated his capabilities during his time as Interim County Administrator. The state of the District is extremely sound and poised for the exciting advances of the future including next generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) and updated voice and data wireless communications, to name a few.

“My wife Donna and I will be relocating back to our family farm in Sweet Home and after some time off will resume our careers in public service.”

County officials said a search for his successor will begin immediately.