HOUGHTON – Houghton County’s emergency services coordinator introduced his replacement at Tuesday’s County Board meeting.

Jack Dueweke, who is retiring at the end of the month, will be passing the reins to Chris Van Arsdale. Dueweke will stay on through the end of October to bring Van Arsdale up to speed on his projects.

“I’m going to make sure that Chris gets the education and Houghton County gets right back on top and stays on top with regards to the program that we’ve got in the Upper Peninsula, and I know Chris can do that,” Dueweke said.

Van Arsdale has a background in both civil engineering and communications, which will be relevant to the projects on the horizon, Dueweke said.

Dueweke has served as emergency coordinator since 1999.

“I’ve enjoyed working with everyone in this courthouse,” he said. “It’s a great place to work. I’ve got absolutely no complaints, and I’ve been able to work with the nicest people in the county out in the community – volunteer firemen, law enforcement guys, medical first responders, EMS people, schools. I’ve really been blessed, and I thank the board for the opportunity.”

The board approved commendations for Dueweke, as well as Undersheriff Roy Britz, who is moving to Michigan Technological University Public Safety.