October 23, 2020 3:25 a.m.

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners have decided to expand the Community Recovery Coordinator position to full time.

A release from the Board, said the move was made after further evaluation of the need for post wildfire recovery support.

The release said Dan Carr, currently the Juvenile Services and Development Manager in the Douglas County Juvenile Department, has been temporarily reassigned to fill the role of County Community Recovery Coordinator. He replaced Jenny Boyle, who was able to briefly step in and fill the role.

Carr, as part of the County’s fire response efforts, will continue to work directly with wildfire victims and their families who were impacted by the Labor Day fires that ignited and burned just over 142, 000 acres along the North Umpqua River, east of Glide. The release said Carr will be mapping and tracking resources and connecting them to those directly affected by the wildfires. He is currently working directly with individuals, businesses, and the County to connect those that need it most with valuable and long-term resources, according to the release.

Carr has worked for the county since 2001. He has also worked in the Sheriff’s Office and the Public Works Department, in addition to the Juvenile Department.

Commissioner Tom Kress said the county is “…incredibly fortunate that we have someone of Dan’s caliber right here in the county, who was willing and ready to take on this new challenge”. Kress said the recovery process for those in the Glide area will, “…take a lot of time, patience and support, and we are confident that Dan is the right person to connect the dots for the long haul”.

The release said Carr will be working directly with the Board of Commissioners. Those who are victims of the recent wildfires and need resources, those who have resources available, and people who want to donate or volunteer, can call Carr at 464-6410.