Sheriff, 911, County Debate Authority

The Livingston County (Mich.) emergency management department is the center of a “power grab,” according to a 911 official, who says the sheriff wants authority over the operation just to extend his power. Emergency management and 911 director Dick Winsett notes that the agency was formerly under the sheriff, but was moved to an independent agency to better coordinate with all the agencies involved in a typical major emergency. Sheriff Bob Bezotte says he wants to resume control of the emergency agency because of accountability. A long story in the Livingston Daily recounts past problems with the 911 center and the ill feelings. Read more about it here.