Who We Are
The Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency (CCEMA) is the county government office responsible for coordinating all phases of emergency management — preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation — for Calhoun County, South Carolina.
CCEMA operates under the authority of the Calhoun County Council and works in direct coordination with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD), FEMA Region IV, and local partner agencies including the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, local fire departments, EMS, and public health.
Our Mission
To protect the lives and property of the citizens of Calhoun County through comprehensive planning, community preparedness, coordinated response, effective recovery, and proactive hazard mitigation — in partnership with local, state, and federal agencies.
Director
CCEMA is directed by David Chojnacki, SC CEM, who holds the South Carolina Certified Emergency Manager credential and brings over 14 years of county emergency management experience. Director Chojnacki manages EMPG and Homeland Security grant programs, chairs the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), and leads CCEMA’s operational and planning functions. Connect with David on LinkedIn.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain and update the Calhoun County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and supporting annexes
- Manage EMPG and Homeland Security grant funding in compliance with FEMA requirements
- Chair the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) under EPCRA
- Coordinate county-wide training and exercises under HSEEP standards
- Operate and maintain the county ARES amateur radio emergency communications network
- Manage the 10-station Earth Networks county weather monitoring network
- Coordinate Calhoun CodeRED emergency alert notifications for Calhoun County residents
- Lead the county CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) program
- Maintain the Mobile Incident Command Unit and mobile communications vehicle
- Serve as primary county liaison to SCEMD and FEMA Region IV
Notable Accomplishments
New EOC Facility
FEMA grant-funded 4,500 sq ft Emergency Operations Center, coordinated through the U.S. Representative’s office.
Weather Network
10-station Earth Networks county-wide weather monitoring network providing real-time data for situational awareness.
Mobile Comms
Surplus ambulance converted to mobile communications vehicle with 55-foot mast. Mobile IC trailer remodeled with solar/battery power.
CERT Program
Founded the Calhoun County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program in 2014–2015.
Contact the Director
For questions about emergency management programs, LEPC matters, or training and exercise coordination, contact CCEMA through the Contact Us page.