A new emergency management coordinator has been appointed for Zelienople and Harmony.

John Kovacic of Harmony, a volunteer firefighter for the Harmony Fire District and a paramedic for Harmony EMS, was appointed by Harmony Borough Council last week and by Zelienople borough Council on Monday.

“I have a good foundation in this,” Kovacic said. “I look forward to the opportunity.”

He is a manager and shareholder for Zelienople-based company Core Compliance Group where he works with emergency planning, hazard mitigation and preparations for companies.

He also is a staff sergeant with the U.S. Air Force Air National Guard Fire Emergency Services.

The appointment will go to the Butler County 911 office and then to Harrisburg where Gov. Tom Wolf will make it official.

Don Pepe, Zelienople borough manager, has been the coordinator for 10 years. He decided to step down to allow someone “more capable, more knowledgeable and more energetic” to fill the role.

“We’ve found an excellent choice,” Pepe said about Kovacic.

Harmony council members agreed that Kovacic is an ideal choice.

“He’s a nice young fellow who has a lot of schooling and background,” Harmony council member David Szakelyhidi said.