The Columbus-Lowndes Emergency 911 communications board hired Melanie McCoy on Tuesday as the department’s director.
McCoy was an internal hire. She has served with E-911 in Lowndes County for more than 20 years. She began working in Lowndes County in 1989 and stayed until 2005. McCoy returned two years later and has remained since.
She will replace Sheri Fancher in January. Fancher went public in October with her plans to retire after nearly 30 years in 911 services. McCoy will start on a six-month probation period making a $48,000 salary.
Board member Chuck Cook said McCoy was one of 12 applicants and four who had one-on-one interviews with the board for the position. She was selected because of her knowledge of Columbus and Lowndes County, Cook said.
“We believe she can work with the group that’s already there. I think the rest of the crew with E-911 will be eager to work with Melanie and go forward.” Cook said. “She is so dedicated. She loves her job, and that’s what it takes.”
Cook said the board will also consider hiring an assistant director in the coming months, a position the department has never had.
Cook added that Fancher’s announcement in October gave the board an opportunity to make sure there was a smooth transition between she and her successor after she agreed to stay until January. Twenty-four of Fancher’s 28 years as a state employee in 911 services were in Lowndes County. She began coordinating and managing the communications center in March 2008.
McCoy was unavailable for comment at press time.
Nathan Gregory covers city and county government for The Dispatch.
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