New EMS chief to start

SANDPOINT — Bonner County’s new EMS director starts this week.

County commissioners appointed Robert Wakeley to the post last month.

Formerly of Austin, Texas, Wakeley is a paramedic and licensed professional counselor with a basic firefighter certification, said Pamela Allen, the county’s personnel director.

Wakeley also has an extensive background in business and finance, traits which only heightened his appeal to the county, said Commission Chairman Joe Young.

“That’s what we’ve been looking for for that department,” Young said.

Wakeley is slated to start on Sept. 8 with an annual salary of $52,000.

Wakeley succeeds former EMS Chief John Givens, who resigned in June after about 15 months on the job. Deputy Chief Matt Avidan served as interim director until Wakeley’s hiring.