New faces at ECHD board meeting
The Ector County Hospital District’s two newest police officers braved the last of the snow so they could be sworn in at the monthly board meeting Tuesday evening.
“It was an honor to come and work for a newly created police department,” Former Odessa Police Department officer Louie Adame said.
Adame served in numerous divisions during his time at OPD and trained officers, Security Director and ECHD police officer Brad Timmons said.
Sworn in alongside Adame was Eric Bartlett, who said he worked at OPD where he was promoted to corporal and worked as a sniper on the S.W.A.T. team.
Bartlett later served as a crime investigator for the county attorney’s office and then owned his own furniture store in Midland.
“I wanted to get back into law enforcement,” Bartlett said about his decision to join the ECHD police.
Badges were presented to the officers by their wives and prior to the ceremony Timmons explained to the board the importance of taking the oath.
As police they are tasked with serving the public equally and with integrity, Timmons said.
“We’re all responsible to hold these officers to this oath,” Timmons said.
The new police department also includes former ECISD police officer Kelly Cecil and Timmons, who were sworn in at a previous meeting.
After Dr. Chittur Ramanathan’s completed his term as chief of staff and said his goodbyes in December, Tuesday’s meeting saw the appearance of the new chief and vice chief of staff.
Ramanathan’s vice chief of staff, Dr. Tamrasha Williams, transitioned into the chief of staff position after his departure.
Williams’ vice chief of staff is Dr. Alfonso Gonzalez who works in family medicine.
It was the first meeting for Williams and Gonzalez in their new roles.
As statewide and nationwide changes occur in healthcare, Gonzalez said he hoped to continue to serve patients and help all area doctors, whether at the hospital or in private practice, coexist well.
When asked about his interest in the position, Gonzalez cited his respect for both Williams and Ramanathan.
“If they’re involved it must be something good,” Gonzalez said.
IN OTHER ACTION THE BOARD:
- Recognized January employees of the month: Debra Parsons, clinical, Rosa Vasquez, non-clinical and Burt Pelopero, nursing.
- Recognized the 2011 employees of the year: Deborah McPherson received the Dr. H.E. Hestand Humanitarian Award, Alicia Fletcher received the Florence Nightingale Nurse of the Year and Laura Barrientes received the Chaplain Jimmy Wilson Service Excellence.
- Reviewed the minutes from the Dec. 6, 2011 meeting.
- Addressed the committee reports.
- Approved the interlocal agreement request to sell property for less than market value.
- Approved the Texas Tech University Health Science Center at the Permian Basin report.
- Approved the chief executive officer’s report.
