Groves will replace retiring Director Frank Montes de Oca, who led the department for five years. He starts his new job Jan. 22.

County Manager Frank Clifton said in a news release that more than a hundred people applied for the job.

“Jim brings many years of boots-on-the-ground experience, along with a connection and true understanding of the community, which will be an added benefit for our residents,” Clifton said.

As Emergency Services director, Groves will lead the Fire Marshal’s Office and a 119-member staff that meets the county’s emergency medical, communication and management needs, while working with other local, state and federal agencies to handle large-scale emergencies.

He also will oversee a major expansion and upgrade to EMS and 911 Center services.

“My primary goal is to foster a whole community environment by developing and providing innovative and quality services in the most effective and efficient manner, relying on the County’s strategic plan as a roadmap,” Groves said in a news release.

Groves has worked since 2006 as senior manager with ICF International in Durham. The consulting firm specializes in emergency service response programs and inter-agency collaboration. He also served three years as Lee County’s emergency services director, 10 years as the emergency management coordinator for Durham County and was a member and assistant chief of Durham’s Parkwood Volunteer Fire Department from 1984 to 2004.