Jones County’s Emergency Management Director is originally from Nashville but is part of a family with deep roots in the community.
Jessica Tyler was appointed Jones County’s EMA Director June 1 after achieving her certification. She joined the Emergency Management Department in June of 2024 as an administrative assistant and began the certification process.
Tyler said the former director, Karen McMichael, assisted with her transition during her first two months in the role and continues assist when needed.
The director has a background in public safety, having worked at the sheriff’s office in Nashville for 17 years. She said she had several positions during that time, including dispatcher and eventually in the warrants division.
Tyler met her husband Jason when he moved to Nashville for his job in 2014. They moved to Jones County in 2022. Jason is the grandson of Grady and Minibell Tyler.
The director began her employment with Jones County in the Elections Office but soon realized that her heart is in public safety. When the administrative assistant position came open, she decided to make the move.
The positions of EMA Director and Jones County Fire Chief separated when Don Graham retired in June of 2024. The change appears to be working well with Thomas Coleman in the role of fire chief.
McMichael stepped into the position of EMA Director when Graham retired, first as interim and was later appointed director.
Tyler said her biggest hurdles so far were grants. She has already submitted nine. The government shut down means FEMA is shut down, which probably means an additional delay for an already lengthy process.
The grants are for generators, but each had to be submitted separately.
As director, Tyler is required to receive ongoing education, which can be through GEMA and FEMA. She said the people at GEMA are very helpful.
“I’ve learned you don’t have to know everything. You just need to know who to call for help,” she said. “Whatever the issue, another director has already had to deal with it.”
The director said the Jones County Sheriff’s Office and Gray Fire Department have been helpful and she maintains a good relationship with the agencies.
Tyler was involved in the recent update of Jones County and Gray’s Pre-disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan. She noted that the plan is vital to Jones County and Gray because without it, they would not be eligible for FEMA or GEMA grants or assistance.
The director approached the commissioners last month to update the county’s emergency shelters with the Red Cross. She said that process was accomplished in partnership with the Jones County Health Department.
The buildings designated were the gyms at the Government Center and Mattie Wells Community Center.
Tyler said she is enjoying the job.
“There’s a lot of paperwork, but it’s never boring,” she added.
