MOUNT VERNON — The county has announced the appointment of Rick Lanuzza as the new director of Knox County 911. He brings decades of emergency response experience and leadership to the role.

Lanuzza succeeds Laura Webster, who retires from the role in July.

Lanuzza serves as chief of Fredericktown EMS, a position he has had since 2004, transitioning to full-time leadership in 2014. In addition to his tenure with Fredericktown EMS, Lanuzza served as a full-time firefighter and paramedic with the Eastern Knox County Joint Fire District in Danville.

Throughout his career, Lanuzza has been deeply engaged in countywide emergency services initiatives. Initiatives include the Knox County Fire & EMS Chiefs Association and the Knox County 911 Advisory Board.

“Rick brings immense expertise and a wealth of experience that we believe will significantly contribute to the continued success of Knox County 911,” Knox County Administrator Jason Booth said.

“I am confident his leadership will strengthen our organization and enhance the services we provide the community. His experience as a first responder, his leadership skills as an EMS chief, and his strong reputation among his peers demonstrate that he is the right person to lead the organization.”

A comprehensive understanding of emergency operations

Lanuzza’s decades of experience as a first responder give him a uniquely comprehensive understanding of emergency operations.

“With over 20 years as a paramedic and firefighter, I’ve built a strong understanding of how emergency response truly works from the field perspective. That experience positions me well for my new role,” Lanuzza said.

“I know what responders need from dispatch, I’m used to making decisions under pressure, and I’ve spent my career leading teams and staying focused in high-stress situations. My background will help me support dispatchers effectively, improve communication, and ensure our community gets the best possible emergency service.”

Lanuzza has also contributed significantly to training and community health initiatives. He served as an instructor at Knox Community Hospital, teaching CPR and Advanced Cardiac Life Support courses for both EMS personnel and hospital staff.

He is in his seventh year serving on the Mental Health and Recovery Board for Licking and Knox Counties as a Knox County commissioner appointee, and he chairs the Knox County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).

The next chapter

Additionally, Lanuzza has worked closely with Knox County 911 on a variety of initiatives, including CPR education, development of run cards, radio system coordination, and delivering the medical component of Emergency Medical Dispatch training.

“The board is confident that Rick is the right person to lead Knox County 911 operations into its next chapter,” said Knox County Commissioner Barry Lester. “His dedication to our mission and the community we serve is evident in all that he does.”

Looking ahead, Lanuzza emphasized his commitment to supporting both dispatch personnel and the broader community.

“I am looking forward to the new challenges that this position holds,” he said. “I will be surrounded by a great team of men and women who have a passion for their job and want to make sure that the services they need arrive in a timely manner.

“Along with ensuring the county is utilizing the technology to ensure services get to where they need to be, supporting the staff and community will be some of my highest priorities.”

A bittersweet farewell

Lanuzza succeeds Laura Webster, who retires from the role in July. Webster has served Knox County with distinction for 31 years, 20 as a dispatcher and 11 in administration.

“Though I am looking forward to the next chapter, it is bittersweet leaving,” Webster said. “However, I feel confident that the agency is in good hands. Rick is very experienced in public safety and running an agency.”

Lanuzza will take up his new role on May 18, beginning a transitional period as Webster
prepares to depart in July.

Knox County 911 Dispatch handled approximately 46,500 calls for service last year, providing critical communication support to law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical agencies across the county.