Vermilion City Council approved Mayor Russ Owens to serve as interim Director of Public Safety during its organizational meeting Friday night, a temporary arrangement intended to ensure continuity in oversight of the city’s police and fire departments.
Owens will perform the duties of Director of Public Safety without compensation. He is serving in an interim capacity while the city works to fill the position on a permanent basis, Owens said.
Under the city charter, the mayor may serve as interim Director of Public Safety with the approval of council.
The Director of Public Safety typically serves as the city’s administrative link to police and fire leadership and oversees day-to-day public safety administration.
The interim appointment comes as the newly seated City Council begins its term and prepares for additional meetings early this month, where further administrative and organizational matters are expected to be addressed.