Dare County announces new emergency management coordinator

Dare County announces new
emergency management coordinator

Drew Pearson, Dare County’s new emergency management coordinator, was formally introduced to the Board of Commissioners at its meeting on Monday, June 2, by County Manager Bobby Outten.

Pearson will officially become the deputy emergency management coordinator on Aug. 4, after retiring from the Coast Guard in mid-July.
 
Pearson comes to Dare County with 30 years of experience with the U.S. Coast Guard, most recently as Sector Commander in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he leads all Coast Guard missions in the Eastern Caribbean.  Previously, Pearson was stationed in Elizabeth City for more than 10 years and had an opportunity to be involved in operations throughout eastern North Carolina, including the Outer Banks.
 
Pearson has extensive training and experience in all aspects of emergency operations, including being a Certified Emergency Manager through the International Association of Emergency Managers.  He received a Master’s Certificate in Community Preparedness and Disaster Management from UNC Chapel Hill and Master’s Degrees in Public Administration and Emergency Management from the American Military University. 
 
In addition, Pearson has completed a wide range of military and civilian training courses, including the National Response Framework, the National Incident Management System, the Incident Command System and many Coast Guard leadership courses.   He is rated an Airline Transport Pilot by the FAA, is a designated Coast Guard aviator and C-130 Flight Examiner, and is trained in Aircraft Accident Investigation, Command Security and Command Intelligence.
 
Dare County Emergency Management serves as the primary coordinating organization for Dare County in the event of a natural disaster or emergency incident.  The department researches emergency related needs for all areas of the county and develops and coordinates emergency response plans.  Emergency Management consults with officials of local and area governments, schools, the hospital, and national organizations to determine local needs and capabilities in an effort to facilitate disaster response and crisis management.
 
Pearson will replace N.H. “Sandy” Sanderson who will retire on June 30, 2015.  Sanderson has served as Dare County’s emergency management coordinator for the past 20 years, leading the agency to become one of the most professional emergency response organizations in the state.
 
“Pearson has the education and experience that we were looking for in a new emergency manager. He has been through many hurricanes in Puerto Rico as the Commander in Charge for hurricanes Emily, Irene, Marie, Isaac, and Sandy. He will bring to Dare County a wealth of knowledge,” remarked Outten at the presentation.