Door County has a new man in charge of its emergency management operations.

The County of Door appointed Joseph Saelens as the new Emergency Management Director, replacing Dan Kane, who left earlier this year. Saelens is familiar with Door County, having served as a first responder with the Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Department since 2019 and as an Emergency Medical Technician with Door County Emergency Services since 2022. Last May, he took on the Emergency Management Assistant with Kewaunee County, serving under their director, Tracy Nollenberg. The county is complimentary of Saelens’ calming personality and strategic planning skills.

When he begins his new position on November 20th, Saelens will conduct comprehensive risk assessments, ensure the county complies with state and federal grants, and engage in community outreach to educate residents about emergency preparedness. His arrival is also marked by a change in venue for the office of Emergency Management. According to county officials, the new office of Emergency Management will operate out of the Emergency Services building on 14th Avenue in Sturgeon Bay.