DECATUR, Ga. – DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond has appointed Joseph K. Cox, director of the DeKalb Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), effective July 25. He had been the acting DEMA director since February 2020. Previously, he was the county fire marshal for three years.
“Director Cox has served DeKalb County with distinction and dedication for nearly four years,” said CEO Thurmond. “During these challenging times, we need his steady hand and extensive experience as we deal with COVID-19 and other threats to the health and safety of our citizens.”
Cox will be responsible for ensuring that all county departments have a continuity of operations plan in the case of an emergency including the current COVID-19 pandemic. DEMA is also responsible for CodeRED, the countywide emergency notification system. This opt-in system provides rapid notification to residents and businesses about emergency events within DeKalb County. Director Cox manages a staff of six and an annual budget of nearly $1 million.
A native of North Carolina, Cox’s experience includes a 20-year career in the fire service, specializing in emergency management, fire investigations, fire inspections, and fire prevention.
Cox is an accredited ProBoard IAAI Certified Fire Investigator, NFPA Certified Fire Inspector II, IFSAC Fire Life Safety Educator, and GA Certified Firefighter. His education includes an associate degree in fire service and a bachelor’s degree in fire administration from Columbia Southern University and a master’s and doctorate degree in theology from Happy Valley Baptist College.
1300 Commerce Drive Decatur, GA 30030
