FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Allen County Board of Commissioners announced on September 15 that Chris Fleischer will serve as the county’s Director of Emergency Management. Fleischer, a veteran of the Allen County Office of Emergency Management, steps into the role after more than four years as the agency’s planning coordinator.
Deep roots in county emergency planning
Since 2019, Fleischer has helped shape the county’s Emergency Operations Plan, Hazard Mitigation Plan, and continuity plans. He also led the upgrade of the county’s Emergency Operations Center and created a GIS‑based damage‑assessment system that proved vital after the June 2022 derecho.
Grant expertise and community partnerships
In addition to his planning work, Fleischer has administered state and federal preparedness grants and chairs the countywide Drone Working Group, which supports aerial reconnaissance during disasters. He previously chaired the Allen County Local Emergency Planning Committee and holds a Professional Emergency Manager Certificate from the state of Indiana.
A career in public service
Before joining emergency management, Fleischer spent more than two decades in the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office, where he focused on case‑management systems, criminal‑justice technology, and coordination with local courts and state legislators. He earned a master’s degree in public management and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and political science.
Commissioners’ confidence in the appointment
In a statement, the commissioners said Fleischer’s long‑standing relationships with law‑enforcement, fire, EMS, health‑care providers and other public‑safety agencies will ensure a smooth transition into the director’s position. “His deep knowledge of our emergency‑management infrastructure and his proven ability to work collaboratively with our partners make him the right choice to lead our department,” the board said.
Fleischer’s vision for the role
Fleischer expressed gratitude for the appointment and pledged to continue strengthening Allen County’s preparedness, coordination and response capabilities. “I am honored to serve the people of Allen County,” he said. “My focus will be on enhancing our emergency‑operations center, expanding grant opportunities, and ensuring our first‑responders have the tools they need to protect our families and neighborhoods.”
What the director will oversee
As director, Fleischer will supervise the county’s emergency‑management operations, work closely with local governments, law‑enforcement, fire and EMS agencies, health‑care providers and other organizations on emergency preparedness and response. The role includes maintaining the county’s emergency‑operations plan, coordinating hazard‑mitigation projects, and managing the distribution of federal and state preparedness funds.
The appointment reflects Allen County’s ongoing commitment to robust public‑safety infrastructure and community resilience, aligning with the county’s broader goal of safeguarding families and neighborhoods across the region.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
