Mullins hired as Fremont County's Environmental Health Specialist

Sidney local Erman Mullins was hired by the Fremont County Board of Health and started his new position as Fremont County Environmental Health Specialist on June 26, 2017. Mullins replaces John Travis in this position, after Travis retired for health reasons.

Mullins retired from the National Guard and had been spending his time helping his brother with septic installations and taking care of his rental properties. Mullins has an Associate Degree in Business Administration and Bachelor's in Criminal Justice.

He had planned to go into Homeland Security or Emergency Management, and actually interned with Fremont County Emergency Management Director Mike Crecelius back in 2013, making him an already familiar face around that office. During his military service with the National Guard he had been in charge of sanitation while serving overseas, so many of the duties or questions that might come with this new position are not new to him.

While serving as Environmental Health Specialist, Mullins' duties will include among others: septic tank inspections, radon testing, water testing, public education and outreach, and helping the public find financial assistance for water/septic issues as well as well and septic permits.

Mullins is in the process of getting certifications and licenses he will need to do inspections, and will be expected to complete continuing education yearly. This position is part-time, 20 hours per week, Monday through Friday, and Mullins says the best time to catch him will be in the morning hours.

The Environmental Health webpage can be found on the Fremont County website located at: co.fremont.ia.us and the office address, phone and fax numbers are listed therein. Various forms, applications and fees information can also be found there.

Mullins said he will continue the things Travis had been working on, and suggested, "If you have questions about radon or radon testing, or sealing up old wells or old cisterns, call me. I'll help you figure out what you need to do."