Jim Schmidt, Director

Jim came to Butler County Emergency Management in 1992 when Butler County Emergency Management became a stand alone agency.

Jim brought 22 years of emergency services experience with him when he became the Director.  Jim began his emergency services career as a reserve police officer for the Wichita Police Department in 1970. He worked as a patrolman and one of the EMT's certified in the State of Kansas, in the City of Kingman from 1971-1972.  Upon returning to Wichita, he began working at the Metropolitan Ambulance Service until 1975.  In 1975, he became one of the first 6 EMT's to begin the first day at the new Sedgwick County Ambulance Service (now called Sedgwick County EMS).  In December of 1975, Jim graduated with the first class of MICT's from a KU/Wichita State joint paramedic training program.  In 1988, he went to work at Collins Ambulance as sales/management tech support for nationwide dealerships. 

Jim's Disaster and Volunteer experience include:

• Current volunteer with the Rose Hill Fire Department
• Current volunteer in missions member with First United Methodist Church in Wichita
• Current member of the South Central Kansas Incident Management Team
• Responded as a paramedic to the "singing Christmas tree" disaster in December 1975 where 75 persons were injured
• Volunteered with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department as a deputy and part of the original "fraud squad" w/ the County Attorney's office.
• Past volunteer firefighter with the Wichita-Sedgwick County Fire Reserve
• Responded as part of a four-man advance team to the Hurricane Katrina disaster in Coastal Mississippi.
• Participated(s) in numerous mission trips with FUMC.

In his free time, he enjoys gardening and yard work, spending time with his family, fishing, and joining in church activities.  Jim is also an avid do-it-yourself person, undertaking projects both at home (remodeling) and as part of the work team trips.

Jim and his wife Annette have been married over 30 years. Their children include daughters Amanda (deceased) and Stephanie, and sons Jeremy and Malachi.

Jim quips, "I consider Emergency Management to be the culmination of years of work in the emergency services world.  It is a fantastic vocation where you get to use all of your education and experience, work with fantastic and talented individuals, and really enjoy the job.  You don't make loads of money in this occupation, but you do get rich in satisfaction and knowing that what you do will benefit persons for years and years to come."

  Charlene Miller, Assistant Director

Charlene joined the Emergency Management department in June 2001 as a clerk.  She took time off from College (wanted to be a large animal veterinarian) and found herself employed with Butler County!  She was promoted to the Assistant Director's position in January 2009.

Charlene comes from a family active in emergency services.  Her father is a volunteer fire chief and her mother is a Butler County 9-1-1 dispatcher and worked with EMS as an EMT and then paramedic for 14 years. 

Charlene is a volunteer firefighter with Butler County Fire District #10/Burns Fire Department.  She also enjoys working with 4-Her's and helping out at the County Fair.

Charlene is a graduate of Leadership Butler Class of 2006.  In addition, she recently earned her bachelor's degree from Friends University in Organizational Management and Leadership.

Charlene has assisted in many local disasters and was part of the Greensburg, Kansas tornado Incident Management Team.

In her free time, she enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with her family.  Charlene also enjoys running and participating in 5K races. Charlene and her husband, Cory, have been married 8 years and have two daughters, Cally and Cami.

"Emergency Management is not a monetary satisfaction.  However, it is the joy of working with and helping others that make the job all the worthwhile. A simple thank you and/or a smile at the end of the day leaves me knowing I have helped those that have needed it," says Charlene.

  Keri Korthals, Administrative Assistant

Keri joined Butler County Emergency Management in May 2009.  Keri comes to our department with a wealth of experience and knowledge in office administration and organization.

Prior to joining Butler County, Keri worked in a variety of positions. While in college completing her bachelor's degree in Accounting and Business Administration, she worked as a bank teller and new account representative. After college, she worked as an auditor, billing manager and then departmental project manager with MCI.  She has also provided support services such as data entry and payroll to small businesses.

Keri volunteers with her church and children's schools.  Over the years, she has served as a sunday school teacher and VBS leader, preschool bookkeeper, and worship service accompanist.  At school, she has served on the Site Council, helped with classroom parties and field trips, and filled-in for crossing guards.  Keri is also always up for baking something sweet and calorie-laden for church and school functions!

In her spare time, Keri enjoys reading, watching movies, playing the piano, and scrapbooking. She has also taken up running and is working towards a 5K race.

Keri and her college sweetheart, Randy, have been married over 16 years. He is currently employed as a project manager by Pro Kleen in Augusta. Together, they have three children, Libby, Josh & Emily. In addition, a spoiled English Springer Spaniel named Kirby rounds out the family!

Keri & Randy moved here from Olathe. They both grew up in small towns and are happy to have their roots planted in one again!