Kosciusko County Emergency Management Agency Director Ed Rock speaks at the Kosciusko County Commissioners’ meeting on Tuesday, March 28, in the Kosciusko County Courthouse’s Old Courtroom. It was his last meeting as director, as he’s retiring on Thursday, March 30. InkFreeNews photo by Leah Sander.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Tuesday, March 28, was Ed Rock’s last Kosciusko County Commissioners’ meeting as the county Emergency Management Agency director.

He thanked the county for its support.

Rock, the county’s first EMA director, is retiring after 20 years on Thursday, March 30. Kip Shuter, who’s served as the deputy EMA director since January, is replacing him, with commissioners formally approving that change Tuesday.

“I would like to say thank you to all of the commissioners as well as all county employees, both past and present, for all of the guidance and direction and support that I’ve had over the last 7,309 days,” said Rock. “This has been a learning experience from Day 1 and even pushed me to grow as an individual, develop relationships, connections and friendships that I couldn’t even conceive of back in 2003.”

“This position has impacted my future in a positive way, and so again I say ‘Thank you,'” he added.

“Ed, thank you for your years of service to the county,” said Commissioner Cary Groninger. “It’s been a pleasure working with you the years I’ve been on the commissioner board, so we really do appreciate you and just how you’ve held your head high and continued with your work all the way to the very end here.”

Commissioners’ President Brad Jackson also thanked Rock.

“Time flies by,” said Jackson. “It seems like just yesterday that we were bringing you on board and having all the discussions and basically establishing that department.”

“I would echo their sentiments,” said Commissioners’ Vice President Bob Conley, adding “I know your volunteerism on the fire department in Mentone and your work in the community have been exemplary.”