Charleston County renames Emergency Operations Center after former director

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Charleston County leaders gathered Thursday to rename the Emergency Operations Center after a dedicated former director who passed away in May.

Former Director Joe Coates passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones after a cancer battle.

Under Coates’ leadership, Charleston County became the only South Carolina county to be awarded an Emergency Management Accreditation Program endorsement. That accreditation was reaffirmed earlier in the year.

His employment with the county began in 2008. Since that time, Coats worked his way up the ranks of the Emergency Management department until being named interim director in July 2021 and director in January 2022.

“Joe Coates was a remarkable leader whose dedication and steady hand guided Charleston County through some of our most challenging times,” said Charleston County Council Chairman Herb Sass. “Knowing and working with Joe was a privilege I will always cherish. Renaming the Emergency Operations Center in his honor is a deeply fitting tribute to a man whose legacy of service and kindness will forever inspire us all.”

Before his passing, Coates was able to attend the county council meeting, where the resolution to rename the building was passed.

Following approval of the motion, all those present erupted into applause and gave Coates a standing ovation. 

“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.”