Winkler new Wayne EMA director

Wayne County Commissioners offered Jerry R. Winkler the director of the Emergency Management Agency position. Winkler has accepted the offer and will begin Feb. 18.

Winkler has more than three decades of experience as a first responder in emergency preparedness, disaster planning, grant writing and budgeting. He is a State of Ohio certified Firefighter II, a paramedic, and a Fire and Emergency Services Instructor II.

Winkler attended Ohio University, the University of Akron and Waldorf University in Forest City, Iowa. In 2015 he completed the Executive Fire Officer Program, a master’s degree-level course of study, at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

During his career Winkler has developed cross-disciplined relationships with local and state EMAs, law enforcement, and emergency medical services and has served on a statewide Emergency Response Planning Committee.

In addition to being a proven leader in public service, Winker is an accomplished writer, small business owner, realtor and real estate investor.