Park City Police Lt. Clint Johnson will take over as the city's emergency manager, filling a post that has sat empty for eight months during peak wildfire season.

The municipal government announced Johnson's selection on July 21. He succeeds Mike McComb, who held the role for more than seven years before leaving in November 2025 for a private-sector job.

Johnson is an 11-year veteran of the Park City Police Department with 23 years of combined public safety experience.

"I am excited to take on this important challenge," Johnson said in a prepared statement released by the city. "Emergency management is where planning, partnerships, and public safety come together."

Police Chief Wade Carpenter praised the hire, saying Johnson understands the role reaches beyond the Police Department. Carpenter said in a prepared statement that emergency management requires coordinating the entire municipal organization and regional partners "so we can respond effectively, recover quickly, and continue serving our community when it matters most."

Why the timing matters

The appointment lands as the National Interagency Fire Center's July 2026 outlook places the Park City area in the "above normal" significant fire potential category for the remainder of July and all of August. Most of Utah falls in the same category.

The Park Record reported in April 2026 that the permanent emergency manager post remained unfilled as fire season approached. Park City Municipal posted a reminder on June 30 that fire restrictions were in place citywide, with Fire Marshal Cherie Wellmon citing warm temperatures, high winds, and dry vegetation.

What the role covers

The emergency manager oversees municipal preparedness for wildfires, natural disasters, and large special events. The position also involves security planning for large events, according to the Park Record. Public outreach during wildfire season is among the role's most visible duties.

Park City faces risks ranging from wildfires and earthquakes to security incidents tied to the community's major events calendar.

What's next

The city has not announced a start date for Johnson in the new role or detailed a transition timeline. Residents seeking wildfire safety information can visit the Park City Fire District at pcfdut.gov or call the non-emergency line at 435-649-6706.