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Stanly County announced on Thursday that Michael Roark has accepted the county’s offer to become the new Emergency Services director.

Roark has served as the Albemarle fire marshal for the past four years and prior to that he was the fire marshal for the county for more than 10 years.

“The county interviewed several qualified candidates, but Michael’s past emergency management experience, demonstrated ability to build relationships and networks of support, common sense approach to problem solving and passion for Stanly County stood out during the interview process,” County Manager Andy Lucas said.

Roark will begin his new role on March 21.