The purpose of the Emergency Services Department is to direct the jurisdiction’s efforts in the prevention of, preparedness for, response to, and recovery from emergencies, disasters, and threats within the County of Newaygo with the goal of saving lives, preventing property damage, and minimizing damage to the environment. Under direction of the Chairperson of the Newaygo County Board of Commissioners, the Emergency Services Department provides support to the jurisdiction’s emergency services system by coordinating necessary planning, training, exercising, and resource management.   

 In Michigan, Public Act 390 of 1976, as amended, establishes an Emergency Management Division at the State for the purpose of coordinating emergency management activities of county, municipal, state, and federal governments, requires each county to establish an Emergency Management Program and appoint an emergency management coordinator, and outlines the prescribed duties and powers of the Governor, select State and local officials, and the Chief Elected Official of the County Board of Commissioners. In Newaygo County, the Emergency Management Coordinator is the Emergency Services Director appointed by the Chairperson of the County Board of Commissioners.