Harnett County is excited to announce that Ryan Dawson has been selected as the new emergency services director, officially beginning in October 2026, following the retirement of current director, Lawrence Smith, who has been with the county over 20 years. 

Dawson began with Harnett County in 2023, as the assistant emergency management coordinator and was promoted to emergency management coordinator in April 2026. In addition to his work with the County, he also serves as a firefighter/EMT with Buies Creek Fire & Rescue. Prior to joining Harnett County, Dawson served 20 years with Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office and has been involved in the volunteer fire service since 1996. His extensive law enforcement background combined with his emergency services background, provides a strong foundation for his new role.

“I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Harnett County’s Emergency Services director. Harnett County has an outstanding team of public safety professionals, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place. I am committed to supporting our employees, strengthening our partnerships, and continuing to move Emergency Services forward while providing the highest level of service to the citizens of Harnett County. I appreciate the confidence the County Manager and Board of Commissioners have placed in me, and I am excited about the opportunity to lead this great organization into the future,” said Dawson in a press release.

In his new role, Dawson will lead all operations of Harnett County Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management and the Fire Marshal’s Office. He will provide leadership and coordination across these critical areas.

“Ryan Dawson will be an outstanding emergency services director,” said Brent Tout, Harnett County Manager, in a press release. “Ryan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role and has demonstrated strong leadership through his work with emergency management. These next few months will provide Ryan with the opportunity to work alongside our current Director and ensure a smooth transition into the role. I look forward to all that he will accomplish and the continued impact he will make with our Emergency Services Department.”

Dawson is a credentialed incident management team member, possesses the NC Executive Emergency Management certification, certified firefighter, EMT, fire and law enforcement instructor and certified law enforcement officer. He possesses a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice/psychology from Appalachian State University.