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The Covington County E-911 board of directors has announced a new director and deputy director of operations.

Frank Shaffer has been selected as the Director of E-911. He brings with him an abundance of experience in the field of first responders and emergency management. Shaffer has been the deputy director for Covington County Emergency Management Agency since February 2017 and was previously a dispatcher at Covington County E-911.

“I’m looking forward to being on the same team with Chelsey and all the other staff at the E-911 office. I feel that together we can do what it takes to bring the center to a new level of excellence and service to our communities,” Shaffer said.

Frank is married to his wife Jeremie of 28 years. They have two children, Lorren and Riley.

Chelsey Yates, a current employee of the Covington County E-911, will assume the responsibilities as the deputy director over operations. Yates brings experience and leadership to assist the director with the mission of the E-911, according to the Covington County Sheriff’s Office.

“I am so thankful for this opportunity to work with Frank Shaffer and to serve our great citizens of Covington County. My journey at the E-911 Center has been nothing short of a blessing, and I am so grateful to be a part of making it the best it can be,” Yates said.

Yates, along with her boyfriend of six years, Austin Bozeman, have a 3-year-old child, Tatum.

“We welcome the new additions to our first responders over communications,” said Covington County Sheriff Blake Turman. “It is often a thankless job, but our communications officers deserve the best. They truly are a lifeline to those who find themselves in emergency situations.”