Cole County leaders demote EMS director

In a closed meeting Tuesday, The Cole County Commission voted unanimously to demote the head of the EMS department.

Presiding commissioner Sam Bushman cited several complaints against Mike Shirts from EMS employees as the cause of the staffing change.

Bushman would not comment on the nature or content of the complaints but did say they had to do with leadership and the morale of the department.

Rodney Dyche with Paramedics Plus was chosen by the commission to serve as interim director.

Even though the problems have been reported since the end of last year, Kevin Wieberg of the Cole County EMS says that the citizens of Cole County never suffered and their patients have always been put first.

Wieberg says the department is enthusiastic and are ready to move ahead.

Former director Mike Shirts will stay on staff but will be continuing as a paramedic.