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Lowndes County Engineer David Butts is serving as interim Emergency Management Agency (EMA) director during the absence of the agency’s current director Rodney Rudolph.

Butts was appointed to the role by the Lowndes County Commission at its second-Monday meeting in December. The appointment, originally set for 30 days, will continue indefinitely until Rudolph returns from medical leave.

“I used to be the EMA director,” Butts explained. “I used to have a dual role as the EMA director and county engineer. I did that for about eight years.”

Butts responded in the role during a recent EF0 tornado which hit the Fort Deposit area and last weekend during the threat of extreme winter weather.

“I was doing the work and in contact with the state EMA about the weather, what was expected, even the winter weather [threat],” Butts said. “I talked with [Samita Jeter, Lowndes County Public Schools] Superintendent to try and advise her on what to do with school [closings].”

Rudolph was not available for comment. He began medical leave for ongoing health concerns May 7.

According to Lowndes County Commission Chairman Charlie King, Jr., it is not yet known when Rudolph will return to work.

“I haven’t had a chance to talk to him, but he’s out on doctor’s leave,” King said. “When the doctor releases him, he’ll be back, hopefully. The doctor hasn’t sent us [anything] back saying he releases him.”

King said citizens have not experienced a gap in emergency response during Rudolph’s absence. 

“Butts was the EMA director before Rodney was hired,” King said. “After Rodney got sick, we just moved him back into the spot.”

Butts reported National Weather Service findings from recent area storms to commissioners at a Jan. 13 Lowndes County Commission meeting. After discussing Rudolph’s continued battle with health changes, King said he would follow up with the director for an update on his possible return date.