The Chat, Chatham County, Georgia: Recent Episodes
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On this episode of The Chat, Will sits down with Chatham Emergency Management Agency Director Dennis Jones. Learn about CEMA's posture during hurricane season, which begins June 1 and runs until November 30.
Be sure you and your family are prepared with our handy checklists: https://www.chathamemergency.org/PrepareNow/HurricanePreparedness
Sign up for CEMA Alerts: https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=chathamcounty
🚨 New episode of The Chat is out now! 🚨
Part three of our three-part series on Operation: REACT takes a closer look at the hands-on summer camp created for rising 7th, 8th, and 9th grade girls in partnership with the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia. From June 1–5 at Camp Low in Savannah, campers will experience real-world public safety training including firefighting, search and rescue, Stop the Bleed, and more. Guests Chris Carlon with Chatham County Fire and Lydia Tucker with CEMA discuss how programs like this help build confidence, introduce girls to careers in public safety, and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Learn more or sign up for camp at: https://www.gshg.org/
We are back with the second episode in our three-part series on Camp Operation: REACT, a week-long camp for middle school Girl Scouts to learn about first responder roles. Chelsea Drain from the Chatham County Police Department and Tasha Reed from Animal Services discuss their roles in the upcoming camp.The camp, held June 1-5, 2026, at Camp Low, aims to inspire young women to explore diverse public safety careers! To learn more, visit: https://www.gshg.org/
This week, we’re talking about Camp Operation: REACT! An exciting new collaboration between Chatham County Government, Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, and Memorial Health that’s helping prepare the next generation for emergencies.
During this special podcast episode, we discuss how Girl Scouts in grades 7–9 will spend June 1–5 at Camp Low training with Chatham Emergency Management Agency and local first responders in storm tracking, fire safety, field operations, and lifesaving techniques like Stop the Bleed.
From helicopter demonstrations to live emergency scenarios (and even Zombie Apocalypse Day) Camp Operation: REACT is building confidence, practical skills, and inspiring future careers in public safety.
Timed with the start of hurricane season (June 1st), this program is a powerful way to engage youth in emergency preparedness.
🎧 Tune in to this episode of The Chat and learn more. For camp registration details, visit: http://www.gshg.org/
On this episode of The Chat, Will and Evan venture out into the Intercoastal Waterways of Chatham County to learn about boating safety from Chatham County Marine Patrol Sgt. Danny Walker. From life jackets to safety courses, learn how to stay safe while enjoying one of Chatham County's most cherished natural resources.
To sign up for the Department of Natural Resource's Boating Safety Course, sign up here: https://gadnrle.org/boating-education
On this episode of the Chat, Chatham County Superior Court packs the podcast studio to talk about the new FANS System, or Filing Activity Notification System, a free program that allows residents to be notified when paperwork regarding their property is filed with Superior Court.
The new system offers residents the ability to receive a notification upon the filing, indexing and transmission of data in regards to personal or property records. Superior Court Clerk Tammie Mosley, Chief Deputy Clerk of Real Estate Robin Osborne, and Chief Deputy Steffi Yellin join The Chat to talk about the FANS System, as well as the other duties fulfilled by Superior Court.
To get started, visit https://fans.gsccca.org/
To learn more about Superior Court, visit https://courts.chathamcountyga.gov/
On this episode of the Chat, join us in welcoming Brook Schreiner, the new Elections Supervisor for Chatham County Board of Elections. Schreiner shares insight into the vital work that supports one of our nation’s most important civic responsibilities—voting.
Nearly every year, voters have the opportunity to weigh in on significant decisions, from presidential races to constitutional amendments and local initiatives. While many residents experience elections simply by completing a ballot and receiving an “I Voted” sticker, the process represents far more than what meets the eye. Each election requires careful preparation, adherence to the law, and a commitment to ensuring every eligible vote is counted accurately and securely.
During the episode, Schreiner highlights the efforts of the Chatham County Board of Elections and the Chatham County Board of Registrars. Working year-round, these teams manage the detailed logistics that make elections run smoothly and transparently. Their professionalism and public service help ensure that the voting process remains accessible, efficient, and worthy of the public’s trust.
On this episode of The Chat, Will heads over to Anderson Cohen Weightlifting Center to talk with Billy Cortes, Michael Cohen, and Rebecca Heyward about the gym's Olympic legacy, the Get Excited and Move (G.E.M.) program, and their plans for putting our area back on the map for the national weightlifting circuit.
Find information on memberships, training opportunities, programs and more at https://parks.chathamcountyga.gov/parks/park/anderson-cohen-weightlifting-center .
Chatham County can do a lot on its own, but when we have the power of our state and federal partners behind us, we can do a lot more. On this episode of The Chat, Director of Policy & Intergovernmental Affairs Tara Jennings joins Will to talk about what Chatham County's legislative priorities are for the coming year. Learn about the process and why our partnerships are valuable for securing funding and backing for major infrastructure, development, and quality of life improvements here in Chatham.
On this episode of The Chat, the team heads out to the beautiful Henderson Golf Club, Chatham County's Municipal Golf Course, to meet Head Golf Pro Dan Gawronski. Gawronski is a Life Member of the PGA of America who got his start on the municipal courses of Houston, Texas. He grew up playing the game at every level, junior golf, high school, college, amateur events, and eventually as a professional after earning his PGA membership.
Learn about the many programs offered by the golf course, and hear about the community Dan and the team is looking to build there. For more information on Henderson, please visit https://hendersongolfclub.com
On this episode of The Chat, Chatham Police's Neighborhood Liaison Officer De'Antoinette Rodriguez-Hairston joins Will to talk about Halloween Safety, as well as Chatham County's Trunk or Treat on Halloween night! Join Chatham Police, Chatham Fire, Chatham County Tax Commissioner, and Chatham County EMS for the fun on Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m.
Learn more about the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/729558970105988/?post_id=739356969126188&acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22home%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22footer_attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7Dhttps://www.facebook.com/ChathamCountyPD/posts/the-chatham-county-police-department-is-hosting-a-halloween-night-trunk-or-treat/1248485413979205/#:~:text=6h%F3%B0%9E%8B%F3%B1%9F%A0-,The%20Chatham%20County%20Police%20Department%20is%20hosting%20a%20Halloween%20Night,and%20open%20to%20the%20public.
On this Episode of The Chat, Chatham County Floodplain Administrator Dr. Angela Bliss joins Will to talk about flood insurance, FEMA floodplain designations, and the insurance advocacy program provided to Unincorporated Residents.
On this episode of The Chat, Chatham County Engineering Director Suzanne Cooler discusses the benefits from SPLOST, the projects planned for SPLOST 8, and the ways in which SPLOSTs and other 1% sales taxes lift the tax burden for those who live in Chatham County. Find more information about SPLOST: https://engineering.chathamcountyga.gov/SPLOST/Projects
On this episode of The Chat, Chatham County's Finance Director Amy Davis and Budget Officer Estelle Brown join Will to talk about the months of planning, crunching numbers, and planning to create the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget for Chatham County Government.
Take a deeper look into the Budget Book here: https://www.chathamcountyga.gov/ourcounty/finance
On this episode of The Chat, Chatham Emergency Management Agency Director Dennis Jones talks about hurricane preparations, CEMA planning, and how good prepping can keep yourself and your loved ones safe during hurricane season.
Hurricane Prep Kit: https://www.chathamemergency.org/Community/EmergencyKit
CEMA Website: https://www.chathamemergency.org/
On this episode of The Chat, Ally Findlay, the Activities Coordinator at the Chatham County Recycling Center tells us about the art, vendors and fun planned for the 2025 Phoenix Festival this weekend!
On this episode of The Chat, Chatham County Fire Department Captain Carl Sapp returns (sans mustache) to discuss the safety benefits of closing your bedroom door before going to sleep.
Every April, we carve out a week to show our appreciation for our telecommunicators—the hardworking men and women of our E-911 and Non-Emergency Call Center. They are the dedicated public servants on the other end of the line when everything feels like it's falling apart. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week gives us the chance to recognize the people who are essential to every emergency response in Chatham County.
Hear from Chatham County E911 Director Diane Pinckney and Deputy Director Russ Palmer about their work, as well as the future of 911 service in Chatham County!
Did you know Chatham County has a division devoted to making our facilities accessible to everyone? Listen or watch the latest episode of The Chat to learn more!
Have a suggestion for making a county facility more accessible? Put in a request through the My Chatham app or call Ben Lewis at: 912-652-7937.
Watch our podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHgvK4WeWKw&list=PLerNk3E2blGj0ltiVQfzJBO_X3qE_Y6-E
In this episode of The Chat, Suzanne Cooler, the first woman to serve as Chatham's County Engineer, talks about her department's day-to-day work, and offers encouragement to young women interested in pursuing careers in the engineering field. Discover the many duties and responsibilities of Chatham County's Engineering Department, and learn how to make your voice heard on projects that affect your community.
Learn more about the projects Engineering is currently working on at https://engineering.chathamcountyga.gov/
In this episode of The Chat, we're diving into the fight against plastic pollution in Chatham County. Environmental scientist Cloe Lamaire from Savannah Riverkeeper reveals how fast-food packaging is choking our waterways—and shares an innovative plan to turn the tide. Tune in to hear about the upcoming "Reuse" program that could replace single-use cups in Savannah's open container zone with reusable ones, all thanks to a high-tech twist and a bit of local teamwork. Will this be the breakthrough our river needs? Find out on The Chat.
Learn more about reducing plastic waste in Chatham County, by visiting: https://www.perpetualuse.org/savannah
Don’t miss this festive episode of The Chat! We sit down with Captain Carl Sapp from the Chatham County Fire Department to talk holiday safety tips, from keeping your tree fire-safe to decorating smartly. Plus, get the scoop on Santa riding through Chatham neighborhoods on a fire truck!
Tune in to learn how our firefighters stay prepared while spreading holiday cheer. Listen now!
Chatham County Animal Services does so much more than handle stray dogs—they’re rescuing animals, responding to disasters, and uniting pets with loving families. With record-breaking adoptions and a dedicated team, they’re transforming the lives of animals and the community alike. Learn how this small but mighty team makes a big impact every day and why their work matters so much.
Click to see pets available for adoption.
In this episode of the Chatham County podcast, Public Information Director Catherine Glasby sits down with Ture Carlson, the director of Chatham County Mosquito Control. They discuss the essential work done by Ture's team to manage the county's large mosquito population, especially in the aftermath of events like Tropical Storm Debby, which brought heavy rains and flooding. Ture explains how the department handles both nuisance mosquitoes and those that carry diseases like West Nile virus, employing tools like aerial sprays and ground surveillance to control outbreaks.
Learn more about Mosquito Control.
Watch this podcast online on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@chathamcountygovTV
Get ready for the latest episode of The Chat, the official Chatham County Government podcast! Join host Will Peebles as he talks with Ally Findlay, the Activities Coordinator at the Chatham County Recycling Center. Ali shares all the exciting ways she's working with students, schools, and local artists to promote recycling – plus, she breaks down the new soft plastics recycling program and an innovative partnership with NexTrex. Tune in to learn how Chatham is making sustainability a priority and what you can do to help!
On this episode we chat about stormwater in Chatham County. What is it? Why does it matter? Sydney Young the Environmental Program Coordinator for Chatham County Engineering discusses.
Learn more about how you can help keep our stormwater clean and about volunteer opportunities! Visit: https://engineering.chathamcountyga.gov/StormWater/About
Angela Bliss is no stranger to the Chatham County Engineering Department and has recently assumed a new role at the department. In this edition of The Chat we sit down with Angela and discuss her new role and talk about Flood Plain Management and mitigation efforts.
Find out more here.
On this episode of The Chat, Chatham County Police Chief, Jeff Hadley, reflects on 2023, what is on the horizon for CCPD in 2024.
Watch this episode online at: https://www.youtube.com/@chathamcountygovTV
With more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, Corporal Hiram Rivera heads up the Chatham County Police Departments Behavioral Health Unit. In this edition of The Chat we sit down with Corporal Rivera and find out how the BHU is impacting communities in Chatham County.
Whether you are considering new construction or a remodeling project, you won't want to miss this edition of the Chat. We sit down with Chatham County Building Safety and Permitting Director and discuss all you need to know before you hammer in that first nail.
Sean Evans sits down with Chatham County Department of Health Administrator Dr. Chris Rustin to discuss the department's role in keeping county residents safe and healthy.
June brings warm weather and the beginning of Hurricane Season. Fortunately, Chatham Emergency Management (CEMA) is always prepared and they are sharing all the tips for hurricane preparedness and the process for evacuating for a hurricane in Chatham County.Â
Alli Padgett, Assistant Director of CEMA, and Chelsea Sawyer, Emergency Preparedness Manager of CEMA, join us on this episode of The Chat.
Lake Mayer has so much to offer both residents and visitors. In this episode of The Chat, find out what the great staff of the Lake Mayer Community Center are cooking up and some of the activities that are the talk of the town.
On this edition of The Chat we sit down with the Chatham Narcotics Team Director Michael Sarhatt. Director Sarhatt discusses the prevalence and dangers of Fentanyl abuse, some of the new deadly drugs that are surfacing and his community outreach efforts in the war on drugs.
This week we meet with Activities Coordinator, Ally Findlay, to discuss the Recycling Center on Eisenhower Drive (a.k.a. Resource Conservation Education Center) and their upcoming Phoenix Festival! Click to learn more!Â
On today's episode of The Chat we sit down with Ron Williams and Marilyn Labrodor from the Chatham County Human Resources Department. Find out just how easy it is to apply for a County job and how you can become a member of Team Chatham. Visit: jobs.chathamcounty.org to view all openings and apply online.
On this episode of the Chat, we take the show on the road to Wilmington Island and visit the Frank G. Murray Center. We chat with the Recreation Supervisor and two instructors to find out all the happenings of the center. Find out why so many folks enjoy all the facility has to offer.
As the temperatures continue to rise here in Chatham County, so does the mosquito population. On this edition of the Chat we sit down with Mosquito Control Director, Ture Carlson, to discuss how busy they have been and how they are gearing up for the summer months.
On this episode of the Chat, Robert Catanese and Sean Evans sit down with Chatham County's Strategic Planning Administrator Tara Jennings. Topics include what the FY23 Blueprint will shape up to be, how the process works and what goes into the the evaluation of the applicants. Tara also explains the importance of data in the decision making process and how it impacts Chatham County.
On this special presentation of The Chat we discuss Severe Weather Week and what you need to know to keep yourself and your family safe from thunderstorms, tornados, and flooding. Chelsea Sawyer with Chatham Emergency Management joins us in this discussion.
Chatham County’s Occupational Safety and Risk Management is tasked with keeping the county workforce safe. But that’s not all, find out how they are impacted your community from workforce training classes to ADA compliance initiatives. Check out the latest episode of the Chat when we sit down with Safety Training Manager Leigh Herald.
Holly Holdsworth with Chatham County Parks & Recreation joins us to discuss updates to the parks.Â
Ever wonder why Chatham County has a department solely for mosquito control? Ture Carlson, Mosquito Control Director, shares what their department does to provide cost effective methods of controlling the mosquito population.Â
On this episode we discuss the prevalence and prevention of fentanyl in the County with Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team Director, Michael Sarhatt, and how he is helping those impacted.
On this episode of The Chat, Robert Catanese, from the Public Information Office, speaks with Chief Hadley, from Chatham County Police Department . They discuss department needs, hiring, community policing and why CCPD is a great place to work.
Imagine a hurricane is predicted to hit your area and you've just been told you need to evacuate. What do you do? Where do you go? What should you expect when you return home after the storm? Chelsea Sawyer and Sakile Johnson with Chatham Emergency Management Agency join us to discuss how to be prepare yourself, your family, and pets for the 2021 hurricane season. Â
Want to help reduce flooding or pollution in our waterways? Join us as we discuss with Dr. Angela Bliss how to get involved with the Coastal Georgia Adopt-A-Drain Volunteer Program!Â
We chat with Dr. Rustin, Administrator of the Chatham County Health Department, about how we can enjoy Halloween safely during COVID-19.
This week we chat with Holly Holdsworth with Parks and Recreation about updates to the Aquatic Center. Plus, learn what job openings are available at the Aquatic Center!
Learn how to prepare yourself and your family in advance of a disaster. Chelsea Sawyer with Chatham Emergency Management Agency chats with us about National Preparedness Month.
Dr. Harper, director of Chatham County Animal Services, talks about the pilot Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return program, and the details on free cat adoptions happening right now. Plus, learn about how you can foster an animal!
The Chatham County Police Department and Savannah Police Department are seeing an increase in domestic disturbance and domestic violence cases as schools are closed and citizens shelter in place to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, with more people at home, it is more challenging to identify if a child is exhibiting signs of abuse.Â
Chatham County Police Department, Savannah Police Department, The Front Porch, Chatham County Juvenile Court, and Georgia Division of Family and Children Services discuss these topics and resources available to the public to help.
On this episode, Dr. Lawton Davis with Georgia Coastal Health District gives an update on Coronavirus, COVID-19.
What happens when you call 9-1-1? What technology is being used to help pinpoint locations of a caller in need? We cover these and more topics on this episode of The Chat.
What is Mosquito Control? Why does Chatham County need this department? Director of Mosquito Control, Ture Carlson, gives us a good overview on the importance of their work.
Want to practice yoga, play bingo, or create something? You can do all this and more at the Frank G. Murray Community Center located on Wilmington Island. Find out what upcoming events they have, or how to volunteer!
On this episode, we talk about the upcoming Severe Weather Preparedness Week. What is severe weather? How can you prepare for severe weather? Chelsea Sawyer, with Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), is our special guest.Â
We've discussed adoptions and rabies with Animal Services, but what else do they provide the community? Learn about stray holds, bite cases, and more.Â
Looking to adopt a pet? Did you know you can adopt cats and dogs from Chatham County Animal Services?Â
On this episode we speak with Dr. Harper, Director of Chatham County Animal Services, about their adoption process. Additionally, find out how you can volunteer with Animal Services!
Did you know you can acquire or renew your passport at the Chatham County Courthouse? The Superior Court Clerk's office offers this service with no reservation required! Listen for more info.
In this episode we discuss how Chatham County Parks and Recreation can help you meet your fitness goals during the new year.
On this week's episode we talk with Chatham County Police Department's Neighborhood Liaison Officers. How do they interact with community? What are some safety tips during the holidays?
Today we discuss recycling and having a sustainable holiday with Alexia Anne Robinson, Education and Outreach Coordinator at the Chatham County Resource Conservation Education Center. Did you know gift wrap is not recyclable? Do you know what can be recycled at Chatham County Recycling Centers?
On this episode, Dr. Harper, Director of Animal Services, goes into detail about rabies. What is it? How is transmitted? How can it be prevented?
This episode we discuss the formation of the Chatham County Police Department. Chief Hadley shares his philosophy of engaging with the community, and how Chatham County Officers do so. Covered topics are: partnerships CCPD has with other agencies, what areas CCPD serves, and Chief Hadley's background in the police force.Â
We are joined by Chatham County Manager, Lee Smith, where he discusses services provided by the county. Included topics are: the differences between county and city services, what is SPLOST, what is the Special Service District, and the development of the Chatham County Police Department. For more information on Chatham County, visit: chathamcountyga.gov
This week we learn about the history of Chatham County's golf course, Henderson Golf Club. Holly Holdsworth, with Chatham County Parks and Recreation, discusses what this beautiful course and club has to offer.
The Chatham County Public Information Office gives an overview of what "The Chat" will feature. Included topics are amazing Chatham County parks, how you can adopt a cat or dog for free, and what is the difference between county and city (municipalities).Â