Emergency management director to retire, Warren County announces creation of Department of Public Safety

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Warren County announced the retirement of Emergency Management Director Ronnie Pearson at Thursday’s fiscal court meeting, according to a release.

Pearson’s retirement will be effective August 1.

“Ronnie Pearson has been a tremendous asset to Warren County and our emergency services community,” said Judge/Executive Gorman. “His leadership, professionalism, and commitment to preparedness have strengthened our ability to respond to emergencies, disasters, and critical incidents.”

At Thursday’s meeting, fiscal court announced the creation of the Warren County Department of Public Safety. The county says the new structure will combine the Warren County Fire Department and the Department of Emergency Management into a single department, according to a release.

The department will be led by William Rector, who will serve as Warren County Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director.

The county says the new structure complies with state requirements.

“This decision was made after careful evaluation of how we can best position Warren County to meet both current and future public safety challenges,” said Gorman. “By bringing these closely aligned functions together under a single department, we can improve administrative efficiency, strengthen operational coordination, enhance emergency preparedness, and ensure taxpayer resources are utilized responsibly.”

Day-to-day operations of each bureau will be led by a Deputy Fire Chief and a Deputy Director of Emergency Management, according to a release.