Kehler honored at retirement ceremony for 28 years of service to McDowell County

Last week, a retirement ceremony was held to celebrate 28 years of service and leadership from Will Kehler. He retired from McDowell County Emergency Services as of Friday, Oct. 30. Kehler began his distinguished career in emergency services in 1997 as a high school EMT intern. Over the years, he developed a reputation for steady leadership, deep operational knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to the citizens of McDowell County. In 2007, he was appointed director of McDowell Emergency Medical Services (EMS), where he led the county’s ambulance service and advanced pre-hospital care programs. In 2014, Kehler was appointed McDowell County Emergency Services director, assuming leadership of the county’s integrated emergency response system, including Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Community Paramedicine, 911 Communications, 911 Addressing, Emergency Management and the Fire Marshal’s Office. Under Kehler’s leadership, McDowell County Emergency Services grew into a highly respected regional model for integrated public safety. He has been an active leader at the state level, serving as chair of the North Carolina Association of EMS Administrators and helping advance professional development opportunities for EMS leaders across the state. Throughout his career, he has also deployed across the United States to assist with disaster response and recovery efforts, providing leadership and operational support during times of crisis. Last week, local officials such as the McDowell County Board of Commissioners, Marion Mayor Steve Little, N.C. Rep. Dudley Greene, School Superintendent Tracy Grit, McDowell Technical Community College President J.W. Kelley, Marion Police Chief Allen Lawrence, the U.S. Forest Service and many others presented Kehler with certificates, awards and plaques commemorating his service. He was joined by Adrienna Rivera Jones, the new director of McDowell Emergency Services. “For 28 years, Will has inspired people, built lasting partnerships, and invested in a team and a community that will continue to benefit from his leadership for generations to come,” reads a statement from McDowell Emergency Services. Following the resignation of County Manager Ashley Wooten, Kehler has agreed to continue serving McDowell County for an additional 120 days as the interim county manager while the county Board of Commissioners conducts its search for a permanent replacement.