Tommy Batson

Pender County has named Tommy Batson as its emergency management director, according to a news release. 

Batson, a Pender County native, started his public service career more than 24 years ago as a volunteer firefighter, officials said in the release. He started his role as emergency management director on March 28.

“As I take over as Director for Pender County Emergency Management, I plan to maintain and improve the capability of the department in successfully working relationships to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate from all-hazards related emergencies and disasters,” Batson said in the release.

He most recently has served as the county’s fire marshal and assistant emergency management director. Batson started his career with Pender County as a part-time telecommunicator in its 911 center.

Over his career, Batson has earned many certifications and has received three Life Saving Awards for saving six people in three different events, stated the release.

“We are pleased to appoint Tommy Batson as our new Emergency Management Director,” George Brown, chairman of the Pender County Board of Commissioners, said in the release. “Tommy is one of the few people in the county who has served our community during every major event since Hurricane Fran."