New members sworn in to ambulance board

New members Clay Chism and Brian Schmidt were sworn into the Callaway County Ambulance District Board of Directors Tuesday night.
New members Clay Chism and Brian Schmidt were sworn into the Callaway County Ambulance District Board of Directors Tuesday night.

With only two candidates for two open seats, the Callaway County Ambulance District Board of Directors did not hold an election April 8. Nonetheless, new board members Brian Schmidt and Clay Chism - who were sworn in answered some of the same questions posed to other local candidates.

Brian Schmidt

Your job:

Fire Captain, Fulton Fire Department

Your family (spouse, any children):

Married to Shannon Schmidt, three children: Zane (6), Brynn (6), Gavin (4).

Other boards or service organizations you belong to:

Professional Fire and Fraud Investigators.

Why did you decide to join the ambulance board?

To give back to the community.

What do you want to accomplish?

Nothing specific just to better the district for the people that it serves.

What do you think the most important goal/priority for the district at this time?

Continue with great customer service.

What needs the most improvement? Why/how so?

Right now I think the ambulance district is in a great position with the developments that have already been made.

What do you think you will bring to the board?

Experience from emergency services.

...

Clay Chism

Your job:

Lieutenant, Callaway County Sheriff's Office (employed since September 1, 2000); funeral assistant, Maupin Funeral Home.

Your family (spouse, any children):

Married to Jennifer Chism, one daughter - Baylee Chism.

Other boards or service organizations you belong to:

Fraternal Order of Police, past member of CARDV Board of Directors.

Why did you decide to join the ambulance board?

It came to my attention that Mr. John Brandt, an outstanding board member, had not filed for re-election. I felt I could provide a good public service by serving on the ambulance board, while also bringing nearly 14 years of experience working in the emergency services field to the board.

What do you want to accomplish?

The ambulance board, as a whole, should always work diligently to ensure the county residents and visitors are receiving the best service possible, within reason. It is apparent the ambulance district has a sound structure to date, and I plan to do my part to ensure the district continues to progress accordingly. I have no single desire, nor do I come with an agenda.

What do you think the most important goal/priority for the district at this time?

Retaining quality employees is the key to any emergency services agency; whether it be ambulance, fire, or law enforcement. Front line employees are the true face of the agency, whereas they promote the agency through their service in the field. The district needs to further progress with technological advances as they present.

What needs the most improvement? Why/how so?

Again, I believe the ambulance district is structurally sound. I do not come with an agenda, however can assure, I will question concerns should they arise.

What do you think you will bring to the board?

I believe my experience in working with the public will be key to my service on the board. People may not always agree, but disagreements can be respectful. I recently supplemented my work experience by obtaining a Master's degree in criminal justice management. Granted the ambulance board pertains to the emergency medical field, I have no doubt I can utilize my education and "common sense" approach to issues to help move the district forward.