Thurston County Emergency Management, Medic One director announces retirement

Longtime Thurston County Emergency Management and Medic One director Steve Romines announced Tuesday that he plans to retire May 31.

Romines has headed Emergency and Medic One for 24 years, and decided to retire earlier than planned because of an illness.

“While I assume that I will have a complete recovery, I have no guarantee that my condition will not reoccur,” Romines said. “I can’t in good conscience continue to rely on staff supporting my absences, nor do less than what I would expect of myself. Finally, and most important to me, I wish to spend more time with my wife and family.”

According to a statement released by Thurston County, Romines will work with the Thurston County commissioners and administrators to find his replacement.

This story was originally published January 12, 2016 at 5:30 PM with the headline "Thurston County Emergency Management, Medic One director announces retirement."