The Chatham County government has consolidated two of its public safety functions into one unified department. Effective Monday, the county’s Emergency Communications and Emergency Management merged into the Emergency Operations Department.

“This realignment strengthens coordination, streamlines operations, and supports a more integrated approach to preparedness, response, and recovery across Chatham County,” read a release from the county government.

In addition, the county has named Mike Reitz as director of the new department. Reitz had been the county’s Emergency Communications Director since 2017. Steve Newton, the county’s Emergency Management Director, announced his retirement earlier in December.

“Anyone that knows Steve would agree with me that he has this uncanny ability to remain calm, and to perhaps become even calmer and more stoic in times of crisis,” Chatham County Commissioner Karen Howard told 97.9 The Hill Tuesday. “That, to me, is such an amazing characteristic and a wonderful skill for someone in that space… really a great guy. A wonderful spirit, and he was really well-respected and loved by the people who worked with him.”

“Steve’s leadership has been instrumental in building the strong emergency response foundation we have today,” said Chatham County Manager Bryan Thompson, “and we are confident that under Mike’s guidance, the new Emergency Operations Department will continue to excel in service to Chatham County.”

Chatham County Emergency Management Director Mike Reitz. (Image via Chatham County)

According to the county, Emergency Management and Emergency Communications had previously operated as one unified department before splitting into separate entities. The county’s release noted Newton’s retirement forced it to reevaluate “how these closely connected functions can best serve the community into the future.”

“Trying to integrate the two [departments] while you had two people of the same rank would have been challenging,” said Howard. “I think the timing was excellent.”

 

Featured image via Chapel Hill Media Group/Brighton McConnell

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
Chatham County Church Launches Campaign to Relieve $1.8 Million of Local Medical Debt
A local church is working to pay off nearly $2 million of personal medical debt belonging to Chatham County residents.
'Can We Physically Have Him Removed?': Tension Spills Over at Chatham Commissioners Meeting
A recent meeting of Chatham County Commissioners grew heated, as outgoing commissioner David Delaney sparred with the rest of the board.
Chatham County Roundup: Commissioner Karen Howard on Budget, VinFast
Chatham County Commissioner Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, June 2, discussing county news and events. She discussed the challenges around the county's budget this year, and shared the timeline for the budget's likely passage. She also talked about the VinFast plant at the Moncure mega site, which appears to not be coming to fruition after a recent lawsuit filed by the state. She also discussed upcoming events and more.
Nonprofit, Sheriff's Office Highlight Recovery of Neglected Dog Found in Chatham County Home
A neglected dog discovered in Chatham County is on the path to recovery after he was rescued by the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office in early May.
Local Government Meetings: June 1-5, 2026
This week in local government: budget decisions for Orange County, Carrboro, and Durham, and the final vote on a CHCCS school closure.
On Air Today: Andrew Taylor Troutman of "Little Big Moments" on Abolishing Medical Debt
Rev. Andrew Taylor Troutman of Chapel of the Pines Presbyterian Church in Chatham County joined 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, May 2. He discussed the church's campaign to abolish $1.8 million of medical debt in Chatham County. Community members can help support the campaign at this link.
On Air Today: Chatham County Overdose Prevention Coordinator Amanda McNamara Discussing Federal Opioid Settlement
Chatham County Overdose Prevention Coordinator Amanda McNamara from the Chatham County Public Health Department spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey. She reviewed the federal opioid settlement and discussed how Chatham County is using their funds to support community health and mitigate the effects of the overdose epidemic. She also outlined some specific county programs, and more.
Chatham County Sheriff: Pittsboro Man Facing Multiple Counts of Felony Identity Theft, Fraud
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office has obtained warrants charging a Pittsboro man with multiple counts of identity theft and fraud. Aaron Luis Perez, 34, of 534 Deer Run is charged with 21 counts of felony financial card fraud, 20 counts of felony identity theft and two counts of misdemeanor possession of stolen goods. The sheriff’s […]
Chatham County Roundup: Randy Voller of "On The Porch"
Former Pittsboro Mayor, real estate developer, and "On the Porch" host Randy Voller spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, May 26. He discussed trends in real estate across Chatham and Orange Counties. He also discussed the latest budget news from Chatham County, some recent controversies in the county, and more.
'Not in Our Benefit': Chatham Residents Speak Out Against Proposed Fearrington Preserve Community
Chatham County Board of Commissioners recently met to continue last month’s public hearing for Fearrington Preserve.
›