FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Fort Wayne's NBC) -- Republican Allen County council member Joel Benz was selected to head up the embattled Three Rivers Ambulance Authority.
Benz says he's excited to sign on the dotted line taking the place of Gary Booher, who held the job for more than 30 years.
"I have indicated to the board members that I would accept the position,” Benz said.
Three Rivers Ambulance Authority board members voted unanimously Thursday afternoon to formally offer the open executive director position at TRAA to Allen County Councilman Joel Benz.
"Although we are struggling through this time, we're not alone and Mr. Benz understands that more than most because of his active role as a paramedic.,” TRAA Board Member Rachel Guin said. “We're optimistic that he's going to bring not only a fresh perspective but a personal perspective to the table that is going to be well received by the community and the staff.”
Benz is a part-time paramedic with TRAA and a flight paramedic with Parkview Hospital. He’s also earned his MBA from the University of Saint Francis.
He told Fort Wayne's NBC News he realizes challenges lie ahead.
Current and former TRAA paramedics have complained of low pay and being forced to work mandatory overtime. TRAA has also had to call for emergency run assistance from other communities because of the staffing shortage sometimes creating longer-than-desired response times.
"Being boots on the ground on a daily basis understanding what goes into being a paramedic here in Fort Wayne and then also I've been involved with county council so kind of an overarching view of what the future may look like and where we might go from here,” Benz said.
Moving forward, Benz says he's hopeful he can make a positive impact in this new role.
"Making sure that we're communicating and then kind of working out a plan moving forward to kind of take us where we're at today and make sure moving forward we're going to continue to have the outstanding service,” he said.
He told Fort Wayne's NBC News he's not sure when he'll sign a contract, but, he says, he and the board members want to complete the final details as soon as possible.
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"I have indicated to the board members that I would accept the position" - Joel Benz informs TRAA board he will take the job - Fort Wayne's NBC
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