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Virginia man will be Hernando County's new director of public safety

 
Published May 12, 2014

BROOKSVILLE — Hernando County's new public safety director is Scott Hechler, who comes from Spotsylvania County, Va., where he has been deputy fire chief.

Hechler's duties included overseeing fire and emergency medical services — 173 career employees and 330 volunteer responders. He is also a Virginia state fire adjunct inspector and emergency services consultant.

Hechler replaces Mike Rampino, who retired earlier this year and took a job with a Manatee County fire district.

The pick has caused some concern for Hernando fire union officials, who favored making interim fire chief and longtime employee Mike Nickerson the full-time public safety director.

County officials spoke highly of Hechler's selection.

"Mr. Hechler's vast knowledge and experience, which includes animal services management, will be an asset to Hernando County," said assistant county administrator Brian Malmberg.

Heckler's first day will be June 16. His salary will be $100,000.