S5 - E2: Stephen Combs, Public Information Officer - Bluffton Township Fire Department, Bluffton, SC

The PIO Podcast

Send us a text

Stephen Combs currently serves as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for Bluffton Township Fire District, having joined the agency in February 2023. In his role, he oversees all communications for the district's nine stations, including handling service calls, public education, community events, and media relations.
Highlights:
Credentialing: Stephen is among only 35 internationally credentialed PIOs through the Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC). He's also a FEMA Master PIO and South Carolina Certified Emergency Manager.
Experience: He boasts nearly a decade of experience in disaster response, crisis communications, and strategic planning.
Teaching Role: Stephen is an adjunct instructor with Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), providing national training in public information principles for all-hazards incidents.
Previous Work: Before joining Bluffton, he worked at the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina, offering strategic communications guidance and managing Joint Information Centers during significant emergencies.
Notable Incidents: Stephen has managed communication efforts for various major incidents, including the South Carolina "1000-year Flood" in 2015 and the Townville Elementary School shooting in 2016.
Published Author: He contributed to the 2022 ASIS Security Industry Book of the Year, writing the chapter "Successfully Navigating Media for the Emergency Manager."
Stephen Combs brings a wealth of expertise and experience to his role, making him a valuable asset to the Bluffton Township Fire District.
Stephen's Email

Support the show

Our premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.