Charleston County to rename emergency management building after Director Joe Coates

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) — Charleston County renamed the Emergency Operations Center after the program director Thursday evening.

Joe Coates was surprised by county council members after presenting a Hurricane Preparedness guide to the council. The name of the center will now be the Joe Coates Emergency Operations Center.

“Madame chair, with a measurable gratitude and deep appreciation, I move to name the Charleston County Emergency Operations Center to Joe Coates Operations Center,” said Joe Boykin, Charleston County councilman.

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.”

Coates has been a Charleston County employee since 2008 and has a bachelor’s degree in Emergency and Disaster Management from the American Military University.

He was appointed as interim director in July 2021 following the arrest of former director Joe Patno for kidnapping, burglary, assault and battery charges.

Coates was named the permanent replacement in January 2022.

Under Coates leadership, the program recently received a national full accreditation. This accreditation shows the residents of Charleston County that its management program is nationally qualified and prepared when it comes to emergency situations.

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