Rick Martin joins Douglas County Fire Department as Fire & EMS Public Information Director
Douglas County, GA – Rick Martin, Director of Communications & Community Relations for Douglas County, will be assuming the new role as the first-ever Fire & EMS Public Information Director in the history of Douglas County. Mr. Martin has been tasked with the responsibility of shaping and developing communication strategies related to public safety.
“I’m excited to continue leading and humbled by the confidence Chairman, Dr. Romona Jackson Jones, and the Board of Commissioners have in my ability and level of experience,” Martin said. “Citizens have told the Board of Commissioners that their most strategic priority was Public Safety, and I truly look forward to effectively communicating how the Fire & EMS Department, E-911, and EMA are operating through the existing channels of our government.”
Martin was appointed to the Douglas County Board of Commissioners as the Director of Communications & Community Relations in 2017 after a stellar career in Broadcast Journalism for twenty-six years, including twelve of them at CNN, where Martin last served as a Senior News Editor who specialized in covering breaking news.
“Martin has been a key and significant contributor to Douglas County since he’s been with us,” said Chairman Jones. “I believe his dedication serves as a vital link in the chain that moves our county forward, and I’m convinced he will continue to shine and bring forth the untold stories in our public safety areas of my administration.”
While serving as communications director, Martin oversaw the demolition, construction, and remodeling of DCTV 23’s control room and studio renovation project. “I’m proud of bringing the latest technology and equipment thanks to the approval of the Board of Commissioners,” said Martin. “Thanks to my communications team, we didn’t miss a beat and kept broadcasting commission meetings to serve the public.”
“We're excited about Mr. Martin joining us,” Douglas County Fire Chief Roderick Jolivette said. “His abilities, in my mind, will no doubt make a difference in enhancing our communication with the public.”
Martin’s significant and meritorious achievement in journalism includes three Peabody Awards for his contribution to CNN-produced stories.
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