Jackson Free Press

Ricky Moore will retire from his position as Hinds County's assistant director of emergency operations on Nov. 30. Moore, a Jackson native, has held the post for 20 years, and his retirement, which he announced Nov. 6, comes after he was passed over for promotion to the top spot with the county's Emergency Operations Center.

"After being assistant director for twenty years, I figured if I can't move up, it's time to move on and find something else to do," Moore told the Jackson Free Press.

Former EOC Director Larry Fisher, who retired on Oct. 30, recommended Moore as his successor, and Moore was one of three applicants county supervisors interviewed on Nov. 2. Later that day, supervisors voted 4-1 to approve Jimmie Lewis, the county's former director of permits and zoning, for the job.

Supervisor Phil Fisher, no relation to Larry Fisher, cast the lone vote against picking Lewis and argued that Moore was the more qualified candidate. Before taking over as director of permits and zoning in 2002, Lewis served as assistant director in the zoning department and as a fire-training officer with the EOC. Lewis has also worked as a firefighter with the city of Jackson.

As EOC assistant director, Moore coordinated the county's operations in Fisher's absence, communicating with volunteer fire departments and leading the regional response team for Central Mississippi. He also led the county's dive team and its swift water-rescue team.

Moore started his work in emergency services in 1975, joining the Jackson Fire Department after graduating from Hinds Community College. He plans to rest during the holidays and begin looking for a new job in the new year.

"I've had a few offers already," Moore said.

Previous Comments

ID

153593

Comment

Congratulations Rickey! I know him personally and I must say that he is a wonderful person to work with.

Author

Tell it!

Date

2009-11-23T16:00:36-06:00