KINGWOOD, W.Va. — First responders across the region and the Preston County community are mourning the loss of former director of the Preston County Emergency Management Agency Duane Hamilton.

Hamilton passed away at the Cleveland Clinic this week after an illness.

On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” assistant director Justin Wolfe said Hamilton began as a volunteer four decades ago, then worked to become a firefighter, then a paramedic, and ultimately the director of the agency.

“He’s just had a hand in a lot of different aspects in public safety,” assistant director Justin Wolfe said on WAJR’s “Talk of the Town.” “Not only in Preston County, but in surrounding counties as well and he’s left a life of service to the community that is really hard to find anymore.”

Floodplain coordinator Clark Nickloe has worked at the agency for 29 years and has seen the advancements made possible by Hamilton. One major advancement was the addition of the 911 address system that improved response times and outcomes for residents.

“Instead of taking 10 minutes to give directions to an ambulance, we can get that out of the way and start treating people,” Nickloe said. “Duane also brought pre-arrival instructions to 911.”

All the progress has been made on very tight budgets, according to Wolfe. Hamilton did a good job managing the money available to keep day-to-day operations afloat while still planning for the future.

“We try to be as conservation and stretch that as far as we can,” Wolfe said. ” But, you’re in the age of technology and technology is expensive and I think he did a great job at that.”

Hamilton was the driving force behind the office for the Preston County Emergency Management Office. Hamilton not only got the project approved, but in the end was able to pay the building off two years ahead of schedule.

“This was the first building the county has built new since the Preston County Courthouse in 1934,” Wolfe said. “They’ve remodeled some buildings, but this was the first new building done and I was glas to see it paid off ahead of schedule and he actually paid this building off.”

Wolfe said the office will continue operations using the same principles Hamilton instilled in them moving forward.

“The mission of this agency is to try to protect and serve the public and the guests that travel through,” Wolfe said. ” This office has always strived to do that under his tenure and direction and that’s the path we’ll continue to take.”

Family and friends will be received at Bolyard Funeral Home, 79 Morgantown Street in Newburg today from noon until 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, January 24 at the Army National Guard Building at 12597 River Road in Kingwood from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions can be made to KAMP.