Commission honors DHSOEM director as he prepares to move onto state-level position

Monica Zalaznik
August 28, 2021

BUCKHANNON – The Upshur County Commission on Thursday presented a certificate of appreciation to Kenneth “Brian” Shreves, Upshur County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director.

Shreves resigned his position to become the director of the Office of Emergency Medical Services within the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources’ Bureau for Public Health, so the commissioners wanted to thank him for his years of work.

“On behalf of the Commission, we would like to present you with appreciation certificate to thank you for the time you spent with us. We wish you the best of luck in your next adventure,” Upshur County Commissioner president Kristie Tenney said.

Shreves said leaving his position was not an easy move.

“It was the toughest decision I’ve ever had make because you guys have been so great to me, and it’s been a pleasure and honor to work for you guys; thank you so much,” Shreves said.

In other Upshur County Commission news, the commission approved two requests from Upshur County Sheriff Virgil Miller: to employ Timothy Menendez as Supervisor for the Prevention Resource Officer program and to employ John Slaughter as the new county animal control officer, effective August 29, 2021. Slaughter is the replacement for former animal control officer Jason Kniceley, who is no longer a county employee.

“Mr. Slaughter will be paid at the rate of $15 per hour,” Miller said. “John worked for county animal control until 2015, and he left in good standing, with no writeups or personnel issues, and according to the county policy, if we have an employee that has left in good standings and requests to be returned, he can still be considered without advertising.”

Miller also asked the commission to approve Timothy Menendez as the supervisor for the pro-officer program at Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School and Buckhannon-Upshur High School.

“His rate of pay will be $22.18 per hour under the guidelines set forth by the memorandum of understanding [between the county and] the Upshur County Board of Education,” Miller said. “Officially, tomorrow, he will retire from the West Virginia State Police Department after 21 years and seven months, so you can imagine we’ve done an extensive background check.”

Prior to adjourning, the commission also:

Received correspondence from Carol J. Smith, County Clerk, requesting approval to hire Lesa Lipscomb as a full-time Deputy County Clerk. Upon approval of the transfer, Ms. Lipscomb will begin employment on Sept. 26, 2021.

Received correspondence from Sheriff Virgil D. Miller requesting the transfer of Timothy Bennett from part-time Court Security Officer to fill-in Court Security Officer, effective Aug. 15, 2021.