The McHenry County Board’s Law and Justice Committee gave unanimous approval to Hoffman Estates’ Emergency Management Agency Director David Christensen to assume the post in McHenry County.

Current Emergency Management Agency Director Barry Valentine and his apparent replacement David Christensen were conversing in the hall outside the committee room after Christensen's approval.

The Round Lake resident will take over the position that Barry Valentine has been handling for the last thirty-two years.

Thursday, Christensen is scheduled to appear before the Finance and Audit Committee for similar approval.

When he learned he had made the cut, Christensen apparently was at an international association meeting. He said that McHenry County’s Emergency Management Agency’s reputation was such that several in attendance were impressed with his new job.

Committee Chairman Nick Provenzano, who was on the interview committee, said he hoped future efforts would be made to train volunteers to assist neighbors when emergency response personnel were unavailable.