Steamboat Pilot & Today

Routt County — The search for a new public safety director at Yampa Valley Regional Airport continues.
Airport director Jim Parker had a late resume for the job come in, and the applicant looked good enough to take a closer look at. In August, the field of 25 applicants was narrowed down to five.
But as for who gets the job, Parker doesn't know yet. "It's kind of up in the air right now," he said.
The position opened in July after Routt County and airport officials decided to expand the county emergency manager position and the public safety positions to full time.
Chuck Vale worked both part-time positions for 10 years. When both went to full time, he was given the choice of which job he wanted. Vale went for the emergency manager position.
"So far I'm still working both halves," Vale said on his car phone en route to the Routt County Courthouse from the airport.
His office is ready at the county, and he's excited for the change.
"I'm looking forward to a lot less stressful winter," Vale said.
The core of the airport safety director's responsibilities are during the winter tourist season. But working full time in the summer will allow better organization of the different elements in that department, Parker said.
Certification manuals, budget work and coordination of mutual aid groups and law enforcement agencies concerning airport security issues can be looked at more closely with a full-time public safety director.
Parker hopes to have someone hired in the next two weeks.

To reach Doug Crowl call 871-4206 or e-mail dcrowl@amigo.net