Supervisors select new director for EMS

Fiodor Baraniuk gets nod for top job

The DeSoto Board of Supervisors, seeking a director of Emergency Medical Services, reached within the county’s ranks to name a paramedic/minister with a Ph.D. to the post.

Fiodor Baraniuk will be responsible for all aspects of EMS operations, including management of emergency medical technicians, paramedics, ambulance services and allied functions, said County Administrator Vanessa Lynchard.

In the reshuffling, former overall chief Bobby Storey now is director of county Fire Services and the Emergency Management Agency, with more time for his stated preference: hands-on duties such as disaster preparedness and planning. Chris Olson becomes chief deputy director of Fire Services and EMA, while Josh Harper becomes deputy director of those agencies.

In their respective EMS and EMA/fire posts, Baraniuk and Storey “will work together, as equal counterparts,” said Lynchard.

Baraniuk has been employed with the county since October 2010.

“He’s been a paramedic for us, and he’s very professional and dedicated,” said Supervisor Mark Gardner of Southaven, a former ambulance service volunteer. “Fiodor comes with excellent references, and he has a real passion for what he does.”

Baraniuk also has worked with the Horn Lake Fire Department, Rural Metro Ambulance Service and Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare.

A certified paramedic, an emergency medical technician and a certified firefighter as well as an EMS/fire/law enforcement chaplain, Baraniuk holds a Bachelor of Electronic Science degree, a Master of Theology and a doctorate in anthropology/missiology, according to a media release from the county.

“He wears a lot of hats,” said Lynchard. “It’s very satisfying to have talented people we can promote from within. It shows the strength of your system.”