Jason Geiman has served Boone County Water Rescue in various roles since becoming a member 19 years ago, and now he’ll lead the organization as its captain.
During Tuesday’s Boone County Fiscal Court meeting, the body voted to appoint Geiman to the post. He succeeds Ken Purcell, who recently resigned after serving as captain for seven years. Lt. Dave Flick served as interim captain amid the search for a permanent leader, officials said.
The Court was presented with the review panel’s unanimous recommendation of Geiman for Water Rescue’s top spot by Boone County Emergency Management Director Mark Ihrig.
“During his tenure he has been a boat operator, worked with training programs, assisted with diver training and worked in water and ice rescue,” Ihrig said.
Geiman is also a certified rescue diver, a certified public safety diver, an ice rescue specialist, a hazmat technician and an Emergency Medical Technician, Ihrig said.
“This position is volunteer in nature, as are all the members of water rescue,” Ihrig said. “But there is a tremendous amount of responsibility for the assets, the personnel on the team for their safety, and the work that is done for the public.”
The captain candidate selection process involved individuals submitting their credentials and going through an initial interview process, Ihrig said, adding there were four applicants.
“It was then narrowed down to three and they were invited to give a presentation on their vision for the team,” Ihrig said. “Not only to the panel, but to members of Water Rescue who may have been available on that evening.”
After a second set of interviews, Geiman was recommended for the captain slot by the review panel, Ihrig said.
“They’re not going to have my attention every day with what they do,” Ihrig said. “So I really have to be able to put a lot of trust and faith in this individual. These are great people. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
Geiman, who previously served as Georgetown, Kentucky Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician, said in a email to LINK nky that he appreciates the time and attention Emergency Management and the Fiscal Court devoted to the selection process.
“It shows how much they value the team and its contributions to the community, and I thank them for that,” Geiman said. “I look forward to continuing our relationship with county leadership as I step into this new role for Water Rescue.”
Boone County Judge/Executive Gary W. Moore commended Boone County Water Rescue personnel for the commitment.
“What you do, the hours of training and keeping your licenses and status up to date is substantial, but what you give to our community and neighbors is amazing,” Moore said. “We appreciate you and what you do.”
