(La Porte, IN) - A former La Porte County official is leaving palm trees and beaches to play a key role again in local government.  Barb Huston is the new Director of the La Porte County E-911 Communications Center.

 

Ironically, Huston came out of retirement in Florida to replace Steve Alt, who retired and went to Florida.  Huston and her husband, Tom, moved to St. Petersburg in 2013 following her second term as La Porte County Commissioner.  Huston was Director of the La Porte County Emergency Medical Service from 1999 to 2005 after serving two terms as La Porte County Coroner. 

 

The 73-year old Huston said her decision had a lot to do with missing her three children and seven grandchildren in La Porte.  She was also ready for a new challenge.  Huston said cold weather is the only thing she doesn’t like about coming back.  Her husband is also especially dreading the winters here but went along with her wishes.  “He loves me and he’s always put me first and I love him.  We’re a pair.  That’s the way it is,” she said.

 

Huston, while County Commissioner, took over E-911 for a few months to address problems she responded to by replacing top level administrators.

 

La Porte County Commission president Rich Mrozinski believes facing her now has more to do with helping radio dispatchers better handle the stress from dealing with emergencies and making sure they’re properly trained.

 

Huston was recommended for the job over several applicants by the La Porte County E-911 Advisory Board.  “She’s a very smoother operator.  She’s cut out perfect for the job,” he said.

 

Huston said she expects to be back and started in her new position by early April.  “I’d like to think if there is a problem that I will be up to the challenge to change it or make it better or respond to it in some way.  I’m always up for a challenge,” she said.