Charleston County announces passing of emergency management director Joe Coates

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Joe Coates, director of Charleston County’s emergency management department, has passed away following a cancer battle.

Charleston County leaders say Coates died peacefully surrounded by family.

“Today, our hearts are heavy as we mourn the passing of Joe Coates, who was not just an exceptional Emergency Management Director but a good man and a cherished friend. Joe’s leadership and dedication to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our community were second to none, and his loss will be felt by all who had the great privilege of knowing him. Our prayers are with his family and loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time,” said Charleston County Council Chairman Herb Sass in Friday’s announcement.

Coates was appointed the director of Charleston County Emergency Management in January 2022 after serving as interim director since July 2021. He began working with the county in 2008.

“The impact that Joe had on Charleston County not just as an organization, but as a community, cannot be overstated. For years, I had the privilege of working alongside him during times of both crisis and calm and saw first-hand how his steady leadership and trusted expertise shaped our Emergency Management program into one of the best in the nation. Joe’s legacy will endure through the countless lives he positively impacted, and he will be greatly missed by all,” said Charleston County Administrator Bill Tuten.

Charleston County renamed its Emergency Operations Center after Coates earlier this month. Council members surprised Coates with the honor following a presentation on May 16, calling it the Joe Coates Emergency Operations Center. His family, friends, and colleagues were on hand for the announcement.

“Thank y’all very much. It’s a very shocking surprise this evening, but what I do want to say is thank you to my team,” Coates said after receiving the honor. “Without the team that I have right now, we couldn’t have done what we’ve done in the short period of time since I’ve been the director. We are moving in the right direction.”

Under his leadership, the emergency management department received full accreditation, which highlights the department as being nationally qualified and prepared when it comes to emergency situations.