EMA Director Chris Judah has violated employment agreement

DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) -Houston County Emergency Management Agency Director Chris Judah failed to obtain certification required under his verbal employment agreement.

Judah was given two years to complete a Certified Local Emergency Management course as a condition of his December 2016 employment.

“It concerns me a lot,” Houston County Commissioner Ricky Herring said when contacted by WTVY about the matter on Monday.

Herring said he discovered Judah had failed to become certified after Herring went to state officials seeking additional funding for Judah who had complained about his salary.

Judah could receive up to $12,000 in annual supplements if he obtained the CLEM certification, per Herring and state documents. Instead, his job could be in jeopardy.

“I think the commission needs to come together to see what we can do to fix this problem,” Herring said.

Houston County Chairman Mark Culver said he is aware of the issue but praised Judah’s performance as EMA director. He said thee certification is not a condition of employment though that was part of the job description.

“He led emergency operations during (Hurricane Michael) and a pandemic and I believe he has done a good job,” Culver said.

Likewise, Commissioner Doug Sinquefield said Judah has his unwavering support, claiming the director has been faced with multiple disasters and faced other issues. “He has done an excellent job,” Sinquefield said.

Commissioner Brandon Shoupe also said he is aware that Judah has not complied with the CLEM requirement but declined additional comment.

Judah did not immediately return a message left at this office. His exact salary could not be immediately confirmed but is approximately $50,000 annually.

Last week, commissioners in Geneva County fired their EMA Director, Eric Johnson, because he also failed to obtain his certification in a timely manner.

(This story updated to reflect comments from Commissioner Sinquefield and also to clarify there is no written agreement between Mr. Judah, according to Chairman Culver, but was in the job description).

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