James named deputy director for AEMA

By Staff
Melissa Cason, Franklin County Times
A Russellville man has been named Deputy Director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA).
John D. James officially began his new job as deputy EMA director Feb. 1.
"I am humbled by this appointment to say the least," James said.
James started his career almost two decades ago as a storm spotter for Franklin County EMA under director Carol Frederick, and has been busy working his way up ever since.
"I will never forget were I began and where I am from," James said.
Under his new post, James serves under AEMA's director Bruce Baughman who was employed by FEMA for many years and was instrumental in many national disasters including the Oklahoma City bombing in the 1990s and the World Trade Center attacks in 2001.
"While this position is largely administrative, I will be assisting efforts in the field in the event Alabama has a disaster," James said
The deputy director position is appointed by the EMA director and approved by the governor, James said.
"He has earned everything he has received, and we are proud of his accomplishments," Franklin County EMA deputy director, Roy Gober, said.
James served as a Regional Coordinator for the Alabama EMA in June 2003, and worked for Franklin County EMA as deputy director and for the Russellville City Fire Department.
James holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Public Safety Administration form Athens State College and has completed several certifications in fire safety and emergency medicine.
James will continue to reside in Russellville with his wife, Shelly, and their daughter. He will commute to the state EMA office, located in Clanton to serve his this position.