BRUNSWICK COUNTY — Brunswick County’s emergency services director, Brian Watts, will retire by the end of the year.
Watts served a total of 16 years working for the county; twelve working as the EMS services director and his last four as emergency services director.
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After leading the county through Hurricane Matthew and Florence, storms that left significant damage, Watts’ service is being celebrated by his colleagues.
Ann Hardy, Brunswick County’s manager, said Watts’ most recent decisions and actions protected both lives and property while dealing with Hurricane Florence.
With 16 years prior experience working with the Union Road Volunteer Fire Department in Gastonia and serving two years as chief, Watts will retire with 32 years of emergency service experience.
After Watts’ last day on Dec. 31, the county’s fire administrator, Malcolm Smith, will take over as interim emergency services director. A search is currently underway to fill Watts’ position.
