After a 22-year career in the field, Kirby Saunders was selected Tuesday as the new Director of Orange County Emergency Services.

Saunders, who has been with Orange County since 2014, is replacing Dinah Jeffries — who announced this past August that she is retiring at the end of the year after 37 years of service with the county.

Kirby Saunders (Photo via Orange County.)

In his previous role of Emergency Management Coordinator, Saunders was responsible for overseeing the division’s mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery operations for all hazards, as well as logistical support functions for the department. He’s worked in Orange County since 2014.

Saunders has also been deployed frequently to assist in disaster response and recovery efforts, including a two-week stint in Hawaii following the Kilauea volcano eruption in 2018.

“It is an honor to be selected to lead such an incredible agency full of compassionate, dedicated, and knowledgeable professionals,” Saunders said. “I look forward to continuing our accomplishments at Orange County Emergency Services by improving strategic planning, investing in a diverse and prepared team, and implementing creative approaches to balanced growth with a strong emphasis on equity and inclusion.”

County manager Bonnie Hammersley broke the news of Saunders’ selection, saying he stood out above all the others considered for the position.

“Kirby stood out among all the applicants for his tremendous knowledge and experience and for his familiarity with Orange County,” Hammersley said. “He knows all the public safety leaders in the area and state and will make a seamless transition into his new role.”

Before coming to Orange County, Saunders worked in emergency management roles in Halifax, Virginia.

 

Photo via Orange County.

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