Halifax County Manager Dia Denton announced today the appointment of ]new Emergency Services Director James P. Ellen III.
Elllen replaces Phil Ricks, who retires at the end of this month.
Denton said Ellen was selected from a highly qualified pool of applicants and emerged as the top candidate after a rigorous interview and selection process.Ellen is currently employed with Halifax County as a field supervisor in the Emergency Medical Services division of the Emergency Services Department.
He has served Halifax County full-time since 2012.
https://www.rrspin.com/county-page/8309-ellen-named-county-emergency-services-director.html#sigProId8afa1c91b9
As the Emergency Services director, Ellen will be responsible for all four divisions of the department, including Central Communications, EMS, Emergency Management, and fire marshal.
Ellen obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in public administration from East Carolina University.
He is currently a Nationally Registered Paramedic, a Level II Paramedic Instructor, and a graduate of the UNC-Charlotte EMS Management Institute. He is also a member of the State Medical Assistance Team.
Denton expressed her satisfaction with the selection of Ellen, stating, “I am looking forward to James assuming his new role. His extensive background in emergency services and familiarity with the Roanoke Valley make him a great fit for the county’s needs.”
Ellen was born and raised in Halifax County and currently resides in Enfield.
Ellen started in EMS as a junior volunteer with the Enfield Rescue Squad in 1990, working alongside his dad, James Ellen, who has served nearly 50 years as an EMT.
“Halifax County is blessed to have an excellent emergency services system, and I look forward to leading it into the future,” said Ellen.
Ellen’s first day serving in his new role will be January 1.