JON KOCHIS, DIRECTOR Jon has served as Emergency Management Director of Fairfield County since 2007. Jon has recently become the Director of Fairfield County Facilities in addition to his role as EMA Director.  Jon has served on the Fairfield County Airport Authority for several years and is the Chair of the Fairfield County Security Committee.   Jon has a bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management and an associates in Environmental Health and Safety from the University of Akron.
		GARRETT BLEVINS, DEPUTY DIRECTOR Garret has been with the Fairfield County Emergency Management Agency since 2020, when he was hired as the Deputy Director of Operations. In 2024, he was promoted to Deputy Director. He brings experience from the Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority where he worked at both Reagan National and Dulles International Airports. His education includes a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security with a concentration in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and a minor in Business Administration from The University of Akron. While there, he served as the president of the IAEM UA student chapter.
		LAURA JOHNSTON, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST Laura Johnston was hired in 2025 as a Planning Specialist. Laura helps write and update the county’s emergency plans including the main all-hazards plan and supporting documents for specific risks, facilities, and operations. She keeps these plans current with local changes like new housing, schools, roads, and public infrastructure. She also creates online content and printed materials, and plays a key role supporting community outreach events.
		JIM PAXTON, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST Jim Paxton was hired in 2025 as our Operations Specialist. Jim brings over 30 years of public safety experience to the team, including service as a firefighter and Assistant Fire Chief. He maintains essential operational tools — from radios and mapping systems to vehicles and response equipment — helping ensure everything is ready to go when it’s needed. His knowledge and hands-on support behind the scenes help keep Fairfield County’s emergency efforts steady, connected, and ready to respond.
		CRAIG SPILLER, LOGISTICS MANAGER  Craig Spiller has served as the part-time Logistics Manager since 2012. He is responsible for maintaining communication systems; managing and repairing the county’s outdoor warning sirens; tracking resources during emergencies and planned events; and assists with logistical coordination during Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations. In addition, Craig serves as the Compliance and Enforcement Chairperson for the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). Craig is a full-time Battalion Chief with the City of Lancaster Fire Department. He attended Hocking College, where he studied Fire and EMS. He has been in the public safety field for 38 years.
		CHRISTY NOLAND, BUDGET OFFICER Christy Noland has been with EMA since 2009 and is the agency's Budget Officer. Her responsibilities include managing the agency's finances through the budget process and the variety of grant programs that pass through our office annually.  She graduated from Trinity Western University in Langley, BC Canada with a Bachelor's of Business Administration.

ADDITIONAL STAFF

Community Emergency Response Team Coordinator: Garrett Blevins

Special Operations Chief: Click to email
Special Operations Assistant Chief: Craig Spiller
Water Rescue Team Captain: Steve Trenish