Former Community Rescue Service President Ron Horn took the blame Friday for the "procedural blunder" that had some members believing they had elected a new slate of officers last month.
CRS officially elected that slate of officers on Wednesday night, said Horn and CRS board member and Executive Director J. Michael Nye.
"I take the blame for that. Emotions were running high. We adjourned the meeting without a vote taken," Horn said of the Sept. 18 meeting.
Even though the slate ran unopposed, a vote was still needed, Horn said. The discussion ran long and no vote was taken.
CRS Deputy Chief Terry Gearhart was elected board president Wednesday, Nye said. Gearhart could not be reached for comment Friday.
Bonnie Forsh, clinical director at the Washington County Hospital emergency room, was elected vice president, Nye said.
Patricia Keller, clinical lab director at Western Maryland Hospital, was elected secretary, he said.
A treasurer has not been elected yet, Nye said.
The officers were elected for one-year terms that expire July 31, 2003, Nye said. Normally the election is held earlier, but board members' vacations delayed the election, he said.
Horn said he decided not to run for re-election because eight years as president is long enough and it's time for a change.
Finances for the ambulance and rescue company have improved, Horn said.
"It's a good time for me to get out," said Horn, who remains a CRS board member.
Besides his involvement with CRS, Horn is a battalion chief with the Hagerstown Fire Department and owner of Superior Dairy.
Ten of the 12 board members attended the election meeting Wednesday at the CRS office on Eastern Boulevard, Nye said.
The board has three vacant positions. Those positions are for members of the business community. Anyone interested in being nominated can call CRS at 301-733-1112.
