Eddie Ivy has retired from his position as EMA Director in this morning's board meeting. His last day is June 30. It came as a surprise to the room. The Supervisors wished him well.
In an email from afterwards, Eddie states:
I wanted to let you all be among the first to know that I presented the Board of Supervisors with my notice of retirement this morning at the Board Meeting. This will be effective June 30, 2021. I apologize for delivering this message in an impersonal manner such as an email but I wanted to let you know before rumors started.
I appreciate everything that you have all done to help make Clarke County a better place over the past 8 years. Without you, the volunteers, we could not have achieved many of the things we were able to do. During the past year, many of you stepped up and publicly showed support for me and for the program we have built, both EMA and Fire Service. I am greatly humbled by this and want you to know that it did not go unnoticed.
Your selfless donation of time and most importantly your talents enabled many things to be accomplished. Accomplishments that many people have no idea of the effort it took to make them happen as smoothly and efficiently as we did. There are people who are alive now due in part to the actions you each took. Many people have benefitted from your willingness to leave your homes and families to come out in perilous conditions to help in the aftermath of storms, missing persons, floods, and other emergencies as they arose. I never heard any of you complain. I did, however, always know that you were willing to do what it took to get the job done.
Thank you for always looking out for the greater good and striving to ensure that we did all we could to assist the citizens of not only our county but other counties as well. I know that over the years we didn’t always like the things that had to be done, but we pushed through and made it happen. I appreciate each of you always being available as much as you could. Without you, my job would not have been nearly as easy as it was. I realize that I was the one who was given publicity and praise, but without you, I would not have been successful. Henry Ford said that “One does not need to be able to do it all – one does need to know how to get the task at hand accomplished.” During the past 32 years, I have had the opportunity to work with some of the very best and make things happen. The past 8 years were with you, and I appreciate you more than you will ever know.
As I enter a new chapter in my life, know that I cherish the friendship I have shared with you. I’m not sure exactly where the future will take me, but I do know that if I can ever do anything for you; please let me know. The efforts you have made to assist me will not be forgotten.
I write this to you for reasons mixed, those of my own and those of others. In case you were not aware, the team that formed some 8 years ago made a difference. Please do not ever change your giving spirit or let the world make you hard or bitter. Always remember the reasons we did what we did and be proud. I know that volunteering and helping people is a way of life. One that you have excelled with. Please continue to reach out to those in need; be at hand, be knowing and willing to share that knowledge, be caring. Whether you are a Firefighter, EMR, EMA team member, Search and Rescue volunteer or paid Law Enforcement or EMS; we have, as a team, made a difference in so many situations. I look back fondly and remember the good times and the not so good times. The calls that we will never forget but wish we could. Our county has been impacted very heavily in recent years and I expect that trend to continue. Please keep doing what you do and helping the people of Clarke County.
You never really truly know the true impact you have on those around you. You never know how much someone needed that smile you gave them or how much your kindness turned someone’s entire life around. You may never know how much someone needed that long hug or deep talk. Don’t wait to be kind or for someone else to be kind first. Don’t wait for a better time or better circumstances or for someone to change. Just be kind, because you never know how much someone else might need it.
I have no shortage of good opinions and best wishes for each of you. I am not gone, merely changing to a different role. Our paths shall cross again and I look forward to that day eagerly.
If you need to reach me, you can call my cell phone at 601-479-2063 or email me at eddieivycem@gmail.com.
My very warmest and thanks for a job well done,
Eddie Ivy
Director
Clarke County Emergency Management Agency
Clarke County Fire Service
