West Battalion has new fire coordinator following Hydock’s retirement

Jason Watts, left, replaces David Hydock, right, who served 19 years as deputy fire coordinator for the Orleans County Emergency Management, representing the west battalion.

SHELBY – The five fire departments in the west battalion have a new fire coordinator following the retirement of Dave Hydock, who served 19 years in the part-time position.

Jason Watts, a past Shelby fire chief, is the new fire coordinator of the west end of the county, which includes the fire departments in East Shelby, Shelby, Medina, Ridgeway and Lyndonville.

The Orleans County Emergency Management Office announced the change on Tuesday. Hydock, a long-time leader of the Lyndonville Fire Department, was a reliable presence and strong advocate for the fire service, said Justin Niederhofer, the EMO director.

“He likes to be behind the scenes,” Niederhofer said. “He just wants to do his job.”

The fire coordinator assists the fire departments with activating and coordinating mutual aid at emergency scenes, and setting up training.

Watts was appointed to the position following the recommendation from the five fire chiefs from the west battalion. They were part of the interview with Watts. He was also interviewed by Niederhofer and Scott Buffin, the EMO deputy director. Watts works full-time as the Village of Medina’s superintendent of the Department of Public Works.

“Welcome aboard and the whole team at the EMO is looking forward to working with you, and the residents of Orleans County are lucky to have you as part of our team!” the Emergency Management Office posted in announcing Watts as the new fire coordinator.