Edwin C. Bailey was unanimously appointed as the county’s public safety director Tuesday afternoon.
Bailey, whose appointment by the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners takes effect Monday, will replace former public safety director Will Gray May Jr., who is retiring after 19 years.
According to a press release, the salary for the position is $119,000.
Alachua County spokesman Mark Sexton said Bailey worked closely with May, and Sexton is certain the transition will be smooth.
Bailey began his professional career with the Orange Park Fire Department in 1974 and later became the first certified firefighter hired by Alachua County, the press release said.
He most recently served the Alachua County Fire Department as chief of fire rescue.
“Bailey has demonstrated he is not only extremely confident and knowledgeable but also an amazing leader,” Sexton said.
