Coffee County Emergency Medical Service Chief Michael Bonner announced during the June 18 Ambulance Authority Meeting that he will retire at the end of July.

“It is my intent to retire at the end of July, so the board needs to address how they want to replace me,” Bonner said.

When Bonner was hired, the board at that time interviewed candidates individually.

Dr. Jay Trussler said that the board appreciates Bonner’s “decade-plus years of experience.”

“I know it’s not an easy job and it’s not often you get thank yous,” he said.

Trussler commended Bonner for bringing stability to the department since he took the position in 2013.

The board discussed holding ‘less public” committee- level interviews.

Drs. Trussler and Jeff Keele noted that the position is a very visible position in the community and candidates should be willing to publicly answer interview questions.

“The director is dealing with life and death situations, … I trust the people in here. I don’t think we need an additional committee to decide. I don’t think you’re going to find a group of people who have gone through like we have,” Trussler said.

Keele worried that people would perceive forming a committee as hiding the hiring process.