Most amateur radio operators in Central KY recognize the callsign KE4AIE as Charles O'Neal, the ARES EC of Anderson County when they hear it over the radio. Very few however, know the service and expertise behind the voice they hear on the air.

KBEMS Press Release:

VERSAILLES — Charles M. O’Neal, current director of the Anderson County Department of Public Safety, has been named executive director of the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS) with the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.

“KBEMS is a valuable member of KCTCS – enhancing our mission to provide licensure, certification, and training to first responders,” said KCTCS President Michael B. McCall. “I am delighted to welcome Charles O’Neal as the new executive director. His knowledge of Kentucky and his training as a first responder bring valuable expertise to the position.”

“The KBEMS Board of Directors is fully supportive of Charles O’Neal as executive director of this organization,” said Shelby County Judge-Executive Rob Rothenburger, who chairs the KBEMS Board of Directors. “His leadership and vision for the future of KBEMS are essential to maintaining the standards of excellence needed to provide all Kentuckians with a safe and productive future.”

KBEMS was created during the 2000 legislative session of the Kentucky General Assembly as an independent agency to oversee and regulate pre-hospital emergency medicine. Their mission includes licensing and certification of all first responders; oversight of the educational process of emergency medical professionals; and investigation and discipline of emergency medical professionals and entities under their jurisdiction.

“O’Neal is an outstanding instructor and has made numerous presentations to business and civic organizations throughout Kentucky,” said KCTCS Chancellor Keith Bird.

Certified as a paramedic and an emergency medical technician, O’Neal is a graduate of Hopkinsville Community College and Louisiana Baptist University, Shreveport. He also has completed postgraduate studies at Murray State University and Madisonville Health Technology School.

O’Neal currently serves on the 2010 World Equestrian Games Planning Committee, the Kentucky Wireless Interoperability Executive Committee, and the Hospital Preparedness Committee.

A native of Hopkinsville, O’Neal is married to Charlotte Diane McGregor O’ Neal. They have one son, Charles.