For about three years, Rhonda Abbott has served as interim director of the Dallas County Emergency Management Agency.

On Monday, the Dallas County Commission voted unanimously to take the interim title away.

Abbott was deputy director, serving under Pam Cook, who resigned, thrusting Abbott into the interim role.

“When someone was needed, she stepped up to the plate,” said county commissioner Connell Towns. “She has a good attitude for that position.”

Most commissioners echoed Towns’ assessment of the work Abbott has done during her tenure as interim director.

“She is a loyal employee,” commissioner Roy Moore said, “and she is a tremendous friend of mine.”

Dallas County Probate Judge Kim Ballard praised Abbott for her relationship skills and for keeping the public aware and informed during emergencies.

Abbott has kept the EMA office in the basement open during times of hazardous weather, even going out in the storms to see, firsthand, damage or to assist in getting help to a site damaged by a storm.

Last summer, when Tarasha Benjamin was reported missing, Abbott helped coordinate search teams in the northern portion of Dallas County, including divers from the Calera Fire, the Calera Police Department and the Calera Search and Rescue Unit in addition to local fire and rescue units.

“She has a caring spirit. You could see that right off,” the aunt of the missing 18-year-old, Angela Benjamin, said. “She brought those from the outside in to help our family in our search. The family thanks her for her help.”