Video: New Oktibbeha EMA Director

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STARKVILLE, Miss.(WCBI)–Oktibbeha County Supervisors have chosen a man to head up the Oktibbeha County Emergency Management Agency.

The head of this department must be ready for any natural and man-made disasters occuring in Oktibbeha County, newly appointed EMA Director Shank Phelps would be that point man. The 23 year law enforcement veteran is no stranger to Starkville and Oktibbeha County.

“One year of the 23 years was with Starkville Police Department. And for the last 21 years its been the sheriff’s office. And when I left there I left as a lieutenant, a shift supervisor which I held that position for 15 years before leaving,” said Shank Phelps/Oktibbeha County EMA Director.

Elected constable in 2011, Phelps is running unopposed this election year. Building his very impressive resume, he seems highly qualified, confident, and ready to lead the county agency.

“Sheriff’s office, Starkville PD, got good working relations with them so now this side, I’ve always reacted to emergencies,” said Shank Phelps.

Focusing on the mission ahead as the department is expected to be operating from the former County Educational Building, Phelps is hoping to continue efforts started before his tenure. The establishing a storm shelter, much like the ones at Smithville and East Oktibbeha, able to accommodate 25 hundred to three thousand people should the unthinkable happen. Like disasters in Winston, Choctaw, Lowndes, and Clay Counties.

“I guess if that happens, I hope and pray it does not, but that’ll get your, I guess my feet would get wet pretty quick,” said Shank Phelps.

In his position as EMA head, there is just no telling when they will have to swing into action in an emergency. After all Starkville and Oktibbeha County have been dodging bullets when it comes to serious severe weather emergencies.