The Anderson County Emergency Management Division has been recognized as the 2024 SC Emergency Management Agency of the Year; a prestigious award that highlights exceptional commitment to safeguarding the community through emergency planning, response, and recovery by the South Carolina Emergency Management Association.
While South Carolina endured Hurricane Helene in September 2024, Anderson County Emergency Management remained the calm, consistent and instructive voice providing ‘up to the minute’ information, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the county. The agency successfully coordinated a monumental mobilization effort of resources between local, state and federal agencies. Under their watch, they urgently coordinated with the National Guard and set up easy to access water, meal and donation sites. The crisis forced the team to reach a new caliber of efficiency, while learning where to close any gaps in their emergency response plan.
“It’s an honor to receive this award any calendar year, but especially when the largest hurricane on record hit our state,” Director Josh Hawkins said. “We as a community are resilient because of the relationships built ahead of the storm. I’m very proud of our team and the countless hours they worked. They knew the severity of the aftermath and their work ethic was nothing short of extraordinary. It’s an honor to work alongside such committed individuals.”
The hurricane response came on the heels of the largest concert event ever to take place within county limits. “Rock the Country” brought in approximately 40,000 concert goers a day, fueling major planning efforts ahead of the headliners. For an entire calendar year, Emergency Management organized a comprehensive plan with law enforcement, Fire, EMS, Highway Patrol, DOT, SLED, Hazmat, AnMed Health, Medshore, county/city officials and concert staff ahead of the melodies on stage.
