(KAIR)--Following the termination of Atchison County's previous emergency management director in February, and following "an extensive application process," and an update to the organizational structure of the Atchison County Sheriff's Office, Atchison County has named its next Director of Emergency Management.

That word came Wednesday in a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, who says the Office's "Detective James Stuart emerged as the ideal candidate for the role of Emergency Management Director," with the release noting that Stuart joined the Sheriff's Office in June 2014 as a correctional officer who "steadily progressed through the ranks, demonstrating exceptional leadership skills and a commitment to public safety."

The release explains that Stuart, in his new capacity as Emergency Management Director, "will oversee critical aspects of emergency preparedness and response within our community," with Laurie, in the release, adding that Stuart's "background in law enforcement, coupled with his leadership abilities, positions him perfectly to navigate the challenges and responsibilities of this role."

In order to fill the role, Stuart will be stepping down from his current position as Detective, but will continue to serve in a law enforcement capacity at the Sheriff's Office alongside his duties as Emergency Management Director.

Stuart's selection follows what the release calls a diligent search that came after "a request from the County Commission to integrate the Emergency Management Department under the Sheriff's Office."