BAY MINETTE, Alabama — The Baldwin County Commission agreed Thursday to appoint Mitchell L. Sims of Elberta as the Baldwin County Commission Emergency Management Director. During the meeting in Bay Minette, Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft and area first responders praised Sims as experienced, able to work with others and think “outside the box.” Sims currently serves as a Battalion Chief for the city of Gulf Shores Fire Department, a position he has held since 1984. Sims has served in the field of fire services since 1983 and has served as an EMT Supervisor. Sims is a longtime resident of Baldwin County and graduated from Baldwin County High School in 1979. Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft said he has a “broad range” of knowledge and experience. “He has proven he has a broad range of abilities,” Craft told Commissioners. “He is valuable to us, but I believe he will be more valuable in this job. “”There is no teacher like experience.” Commissioners Bob James, Tucker Dorsey and Frank Burt voted Feb. 28 to terminate with cause a one-year contract with John Perrett, citing “a lack of managerial and organizational skills, lack of leadership skills and complaints and concerns from first responders regarding Mr. Perrett's management of emergency management issues,” according to agenda statements. Commissioner Charles “Skip” Gruber voted against termination.