Knox County announced that Rick Lanuzza will assume the role of Director of the Knox County 911 Dispatch Center effective May 18, succeeding longtime director Laura Webster, who is retiring in July after 31 years of service, including 11 years in administration with the department.
“Rick brings immense expertise and a wealth of experience that we believe will significantly contribute to the continued success of our organization,” Knox County Administrator Jason Booth said. “I am confident his leadership will strengthen our organization and enhance the services we provide the community.”
Lanuzza currently serves as chief of Fredericktown EMS, a position he has held since 2004 and led full-time since 2014, guiding operations and helping shape the department through years of service growth and regional cooperation.
“Fredericktown EMS would like to formally congratulate Chief Rick Lanuzza on his appointment as Director of Knox County 911,” the department said in a statement, noting his leadership helped build a culture members take pride in and left behind “a strong foundation, high standards, and a legacy that will not be forgotten.”
Public safety partners across the region also recognized Lanuzza’s appointment and emphasized the strength of his experience working alongside emergency responders and dispatch teams throughout Knox County.
“The Ohio EMS Chiefs Association would like to recognize and congratulate Chief Rick Lanuzza … on his appointment as the new director of Knox County 911,” the association said.
In addition to his leadership at Fredericktown EMS, Lanuzza previously served as a full-time firefighter and paramedic with the Eastern Knox County Joint Fire District in Danville and coordinated several initiatives with Knox County 911, including CPR education, run card development, radio system coordination, and medical components of Emergency Medical Dispatch training, experience county leaders say will support a smooth transition, a point echoed by Commissioner Barry Lester.
“The Board is confident that Rick is the right person to lead Knox County 911 operations into its next chapter,” Lester said. “His dedication to our mission and the community we serve is evident in all that he does.”
Looking ahead to the transition into the role, Lanuzza emphasized his commitment to supporting dispatch staff and strengthening communications across responding agencies.
“With over twenty years as a paramedic and firefighter, I’ve built a strong understanding of how emergency response truly works from the field perspective,” Lanuzza said, adding that his background will help support dispatchers and improve communication for responders and residents alike.
Knox County 911 Dispatch handled approximately 46,500 calls for service last year, providing critical communications support to law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical agencies across the county and serving as a vital link between residents and first responders.
