By By Lisa Tindell
news editor
Cousin Sue may know how to get to your house in the country, but if paramedics are needed at your home, the work of E911 staff is crucial in helping emergency workers locate you in a time of need.
Robin Gibson has joined the staff at the E911 offices to oversee operations and functions of the office that help ensure first responders can locate any residence in the county.
Gibson, who has taken over the position from former director Janie Hamric, said she is excited about continueing the work, which she said keeps her busy.
The E911 agency is responsible for creating new road names for areas in the county and for assigning addresses for new residences, Gibson said.
Gibson said the main focus of the job right now is continuing to create updated map books for the county.
Although the map books are used predominately for emergency officials, Gibson said others in the county could benefit from the information.
Gibson said the map books are important tools for emergency responders and other agencies in the county.
Gibson said the map books are also important tools for anyone coming to assist emergency workers in the event of a disaster.
Gibson said her job is less daunting thanks to the able work of Rita Lehmann, administrative assistant at the department.
Along with creating road names, addresses, map books and other tangible information, Gibson said her department also assists with education and training for emergency workers.
The E911 Board Gibson reports to regularly include several members of communities in Escambia County. Current board members are Chairman Larry Padgett of D.W. McMillan Hospital, with Brewton Fire Chief Lawrence Weaver serving as vice chairman. Atmore Police Chief Jason Dean serves as the board treasurer. Other board members are East Brewton Fire Chief Joey Shell, State Trooper Ben Roe, Charlotte Boyle and Willie Hawthorne.
Gibson is an East Brewton native having graduated from W.S. Neal High School. She received a bachelor’s degree from Troy University and a master’s degree from Alabama State University.