It likely is no surprise to friends and family that John Raymond’s career path led him to his latest opportunity: Herkimer County’s new emergency services director.
Raymond was appointed director at the Herkimer County Legislature’s May 15 meeting. His appointment comes after nearly two decades of experience in public service — including emergency services and as a firefighter — pairing that with a lifelong fascination with amateur radios.
“I grew up around radio communication devices,” Raymond said, noting his older brother got him and his father interested in amateur radios and how the family used to use Heath radio kits.
Raymond has been a member of the Poland Volunteer Fire Company since 1999, where he served as a lieutenant line officer, fire company president and assistant chief over the years.
He also has worked with emergency 911 dispatch services, starting in 2002 with New Hartford before heading to Herkimer County in 2003.