The Emergency Management Division exists in accordance with Florida Statutes and serves as the local emergency management agency for Gilchrist County. In Gilchrist County, the Division of Emergency Management falls under the Board of County Commissioners. The Emergency Management Director for Gilchrist County is Ralph Smith. Mr. Smith is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and is under the supervision of the County Administrator.

As prescribed by law, the Emergency Management Division is tasked with several responsibilities, including, but not limited to:

• Maintaining the County’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP).
• Conducting reviews of emergency management plans for external entities.
• Establishing and coordinating the Emergency Operations Center to provide continuity of government and direction and control of emergency operations
• Coordinating with emergency management officials on local, state, and federal levels.

The Gilchrist County Emergency Management Division is an all-hazards emergency management agency.