(Cleveland)- White County Public Safety staff and administration joined together to welcome and swear in new Division Chief Don Strength Thursday morning.

In a ceremony held at White County’s Emergency Operation Center, David Murphy, Director of Public Safety, welcomed friends, family, as well as members of the community.

“We are excited to welcome Chief Don Strength back to White County. We are honored to have him as part of our management team,” states Murphy.  Director Murphy then administered the Oath of Office to Strength.

 Chief Strength will oversee Emergency Management, 911 Dispatch, and Animal Control and serve as Deputy Director – EMA Division Chief.

Strength comes from an extensive background in Public Safety, most recently with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency. During his time with Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security, he was the Area One Field Coordinator supporting the counties in the Northeast quadrant of the state. Prior to his work with the state, Strength worked with White County in 911 Dispatch as a Shift Supervisor.

Chief  Strength comments on returning to White County, “I am very excited to return home to White County. I look forward to working and making White County a safe place to live, work and play.”