Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown has appointed a veteran of Federal Emergency Management Agency to lead Duval County's Emergency Management Division.
Steven Woodard also spent 20 years in the U.S. Secret Service.
Woodard says Jacksonville's emergency responders have an excellent reputation. He served in leadership roles for more than 60 events including Super Bowl XXXVI, the United Nations General Assembly and the first inauguration of President George W. Bush.
"Steven brings years of valuable experience to the table from his time at FEMA and the U.S. Secret Service," said Mayor Brown.
Woodard says recent emergency situations like the Mathews Bridge closure or the bomb hoax at Jacksonville International Airport show how quickly first responders jump into action.
He also wants to remind residents there is still a month left in the hurricane season so they should remain prepared.
