Emergency Services Administration

Bay County Emergency Services

Bay County Emergency Services is dedicated to protecting the lives and property of our residents and visitors through coordinated public safety operations. Formed in 1996, the department has grown from just six employees to more than 250 highly trained professionals serving across multiple critical disciplines.

Bay County Emergency Services operates under the direction of the Chief of Emergency Services.
Several operational and administrative divisions work together to ensure the County’s readiness and response capabilities at all times.

The department includes the following:

  • Fire Rescue (Fire Suppression and Emergency Medical Services)
  • Emergency Management
  • 911 Communications
  • Intergovernmental Radio System (800 MHz)

Each division plays a key role in maintaining the safety, security, and resilience of our community.

Bay County Fire Rescue

In October 2024, Bay County Fire Department and Bay County Emergency Medical Services merged to form Bay County Fire Rescue, a unified, response agency. All frontline fire apparatus are Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipped, and all ambulances are staffed and outfitted at the ALS level, ensuring consistent, high-quality medical care across the county.

We are working on expanding our capabilities to be an all-hazards capable department. This merger increases the number of dual-trained personnel capable of handling both fire suppression and medical emergencies with greater efficiency.

Prevention remains the most effective way to reduce emergencies before they happen. The Fire Prevention Division provides safety education, code enforcement, and inspection services to help residents and businesses identify and mitigate risks. Our prevention team works closely with schools, homeowners, and local organizations to build a safer Bay County community.

Emergency Management

Bay County’s Emergency Management Division plans, coordinates, and leads the county’s efforts to prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural and human-caused disasters. The team collaborates with local, state, and federal partners to develop emergency plans, conduct training exercises, and manage disaster recovery operations. Their mission is simple: keep Bay County ready at a moment’s notice.

911 Communications

The 911 Communications Division serves as the first point of contact during emergencies. Highly skilled telecommunicators answer calls, provide pre-arrival instructions, and dispatch the appropriate resources using advanced technology to ensure a rapid, coordinated response. Their professionalism and compassion are critical in saving lives every day.

Intergovernmental Radio Systems (800 MHz)

This division manages Bay County’s interoperable radio network, ensuring seamless communication among fire, law enforcement, EMS, and partner agencies. Reliable communication is essential during both day-to-day operations and large-scale incidents, and the 800 MHz system provides that critical link.

Our Commitment

Bay County Emergency Services continues to evolve to meet the growing needs of our community.
Through professionalism, preparedness, and partnership, we remain steadfast in our mission:

To protect, serve, and strengthen the safety and resilience of Bay County.