Anderson County Commissioners attempted to resolve a conflict apparently brewing between the county’s Ambulance Service Director Troy Armstrong and its Chief of Emergency Management, Mark Locke. Commissioners met with newly-hired Anderson County Hospital Administrator Pat Patton to discuss the issue which has apparently continued to simmer since the culmination of the August Republican primary election for Anderson County Sheriff. Armstrong was a vocal supporter of Anderson County Undersheriff Wes McClain, who defeated Locke in that election garnering 80% of the vote.
Commissioners presented a document for Patton’s review, in the open session of the meeting, believed to be a letter from Locke to Armstrong. Patton says he would address the issue on his end. The county’s EMS employees are hired and managed by St. Luke’s Health System, which has a management contract with Anderson County Hospital. Facilities and equipment used by EMS are funded by the county which also pays Locke as a full time director of County Fire and Emergency Management. The Anderson County Commission met this morning. No word if the topic came up for discussion.
