Metro Louisville's three emergency services departments have been consolidated into a single agency, Mayor Greg Fischer announced Friday.
Fischer said the merger of the Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Medical Service, and MetroSafe will create a more efficient, seamless and coordinated response.
"All three of these agencies already work closely together, but unified under the proven and strong leadership of Debbie Fox, our citizens are going to experience an even better collaborative response when it comes to emergencies," he said.
Fox is the director of the Louisville Metro Emergency Management Agency/MetroSafe. She'll now oversee all three departments as the director of emergency medical services.
"We are excited to partner these successful agencies together so that we can work and continue to provide world-class service to the citizens of our community," she said.
Dr. Raymond Orthober was also announced as the new medical director for EMS, replacing Dr. Neal Richmond. Richmond has a new medical position in Houston.
Orthober is an assistant professor of emergency medicine at the University of Louisville.
Mayor Fischer said the merger is being done within existing budgets.
Fox was paid $96,488 per year for leading EMA/MetroSafe. We've asked whether her pay rate will change with the new responsibilities and will update when we get word.
Update: Fox will be paid $110,000; Orthober will be paid $80,000, said Chris Poynter, a spokesman for the mayor.