When an emergency erupts in Georgetown County, the man at the forefront of crisis management is one of the best in the state.

Sam Hodge, who heads Georgetown County’s Emergency Services, was named S.C. Emergency Service Director of the Year last week.

Hodge received the honor during the annual SCEMA workshop that took place for four days last week in Myrtle Beach. It was the second time he received the award. He was the also the top director in the state in 2011.

“I was totally surprised. But this award is not about what Sam Hodge has done. The partnerships we have with all different agencies like the school district and Red Cross helps us stand above the crowd,” Hodge said.

“We are doing a lot of good stuff in Georgetown County. We take a team approach to make sure people are taken care of.”

Hodge has been in his current position since 2008.

 He began his career in 1986 with Murrells Inlet-Garden City Fire Department where he obtained firefighter and paramedic certifications.

In 1990 Hodge moved to Midway Fire Rescue in Pawleys Island where he served as a firefighter paramedic, progressing through the officer ranks.

In 1998 he was named battalion chief and held that position for eight years.

Hodge transferred to the Emergency Management Division in 2006 as the Emergency Management Coordinator assisting the Emergency Manager.

Hodge is a native of Cheraw and has spent all of his career life in the Georgetown County area.

By Scott Harper

sharper@gtowntimes.com