Oliver Retires, County Welcomes Graham

During Tuesday’s BOC meeting, Commission Chairman Bill Simonds announced that EMA Director Lonnie Oliver will retire from his position with the county. He said the new director, Robert Graham, will have “big shoes to fill,” but felt confident that Graham is capable of the task. Present at the meeting, Graham welcomed the opportunity.

“I’d like to thank the commission for allowing me the opportunity to work as the position of new EMA Director,”

Graham said, adding that he was looking forward to doing a good job for the county. Some goals Graham will be striving for in the new position are obtaining grants for the county and keeping the county’s emergency operation plans up to date.

Mr. Graham began as a volunteer for Fannin County Fire and Rescue in 1979 and has worked for Fannin County for 31 years. In 1981, he worked as Deputy Director of Civil Defense and then Director of Civil Defense, which evolved into the Emergency Management Agency. He stepped down from this position in 1986 to work another part-time job, but continued to work as a Cardiac Technician for the county EMS until his current appointment as EMA Director. Mr. Graham is married with four children and lives in Fannin County.

The county will hold a farewell event for Mr. Oliver on Friday, June 15th, starting at 12:00 P.M with a plaque presentation at 2:00 P.M. The event will be held on the third floor of the Fannin County Courthouse.