Six months into his tenure as Bulloch County Public Safety Director, Randy Tillman is earning high marks for his leadership and the continued success of the county's public safety departments. Following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Ted Wynn, who served as Public Safety EMA Director, Tillman has effectively maintained and enhanced the strong foundation laid by Wynn.
In a recent interview, Wynn expressed confidence in the leadership transition, praising Tillman for his extensive experience in public safety.
"Randy has been a remarkable fit for this role," Wynn noted, emphasizing Tillman's readiness to lead the department through the county's growth and challenges. Wynn's satisfaction with the team's performance under Tillman is echoed by Brian Hendrix, the EMS Director, and Corey Kemp, the EMA Director, who have both taken on key roles in the department's evolution.
Hendrix, who assumed his position after the retirement of Doug Vickers, has seen significant improvements under Tillman's leadership. The EMS now operates out of four stations, a substantial increase from the past, with plans for further expansion as the county continues to grow. Hendrix highlighted the enhanced 911 system and the addition of new EMS stations, including a proposed site in the Bay Area, as critical developments for the county's emergency response capabilities.
Kemp, who joined as the dedicated EMA Director, has also made strides in his role, focusing on long-term planning and interdepartmental coordination. He has initiated a four-year strategy plan and has begun work on updating the county's hazard mitigation plan. Kemp's emphasis on a collaborative approach has fostered a stronger sense of unity within the public safety team, with plans for joint training exercises and special events to bolster cooperation across departments.
Tillman himself has brought a wealth of experience from his previous roles, including his time overseeing a state corrections facility and working closely with emergency management operations. He attributes the smooth transition and continued progress to the solid groundwork laid by Wynn and the existing team.
"We have the right people in place," Tillman said, "and our focus is on refining and executing our strategic plans to meet the county's needs."
The Public Safety Department's achievements over the past six months include the addition of 12 new firefighter positions, enhancing both fire and EMS response capabilities. This expansion has been crucial in reducing response times and improving overall service quality. The team has also conducted thorough after-action reviews of significant incidents, such as the bus crash on I-16, to continually refine their response strategies.
Hands-on Leader
Tillman shared insights into his approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of being present and supportive of his team. He mentioned that he has continued to keep his motor home on site in the public safety compound and spends most nights there.
Being on site allows him to joins sheriff's deputies and other public safety officers on calls, regardless of the time of day. This hands-on approach allows him to stay informed about the realities of the job and to ensure that his team has the support they need.
Reflecting on his living situation, Tillman noted that he was initially offered a housing allowance when he came to Bulloch County as warden in 2018 on an 11-month contract. He declined the allowance, opting instead to stay with family or in his motor home, showing his commitment to being fiscally responsible.
Tillman’s dedication is further demonstrated by his efforts to build strong relationships with local leaders and other key stakeholders, ensuring that the public safety department is well-integrated with the broader community.
Long-Term Vision and Commitment
As Tillman looks to the future, he remains focused on supporting and growing his team. He aims to secure necessary funding through local, state, and federal sources to ensure that all public safety services are well-equipped and adequately staffed. Tillman emphasized that his role is not to be the expert in every field but to support and mentor the subject matter experts within his team.
Reflecting on his career, Tillman shared that the greatest satisfaction comes from seeing his team succeed. He is committed to providing the leadership and support necessary to help his team grow and excel. This approach is evident in his day-to-day interactions, where he prioritizes being accessible and responsive to his team’s needs.
Tillman’s extensive experience managing large budgets and teams has equipped him with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of public safety in Bulloch County. He is dedicated to being a strong steward of the community’s resources, ensuring that taxpayer money is used effectively to provide essential services.
Future Projects and Community Impact
One of the key projects on the horizon is addressing the undersized facilities of the Animal Services department. Tillman acknowledges the emotional and logistical challenges faced by the team and is committed to securing the necessary funding to expand and improve their facilities.
Tillman also highlighted the critical role of the Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) in funding essential public safety equipment. He emphasized that without this funding, the county would struggle to provide the necessary fire trucks, ambulances, and other equipment needed to maintain high service levels.
As Bulloch County continues to grow, Tillman and his team are focused on ensuring that public safety services keep pace with the increasing demands. This includes hiring additional staff, upgrading equipment, and enhancing training programs to ensure that all public safety personnel are prepared to handle the challenges of their roles.
Randy Tillman's first six months as Bulloch County Public Safety Director have been marked by significant achievements and a clear vision for the future. His leadership, experience, and dedication to the community have set a strong foundation for continued success in the county's public safety efforts.
Ted Wynn summed it up best, "I don't have any trouble sleeping at night knowing Randy Tillman is leading public safety and expanding my legacy. The citizens of Bulloch County are fortunate to have such a capable, experienced leader ensuring this transition is a smooth one."