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Cook County names new homeland security director

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced Monday the appointment of Darien Police Chief Ernest Brown as executive director of the county's Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM).

Brown brings more than three decades of public safety, community outreach and leadership experience, including a prior tenure as deputy superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, according to the county.

"We are extremely fortunate to have the benefit of Ernie's extensive experience in this critical position," Preckwinkle said in her announcement. "His background and understanding of our county's diverse capabilities and needs make him uniquely suited to ensuring that DHSEM effectively carries out its mission to assist the municipalities and residents of this community."

The department works to prevent, protect against, and respond to all man-made and natural incidents. It conducts hundreds of trainings and exercises for more than 6,000 first responders; deploys personnel and equipment to incidents and events throughout the county's 134 municipalities and 30 townships; and manages close to $30 million in federal grant funds.

"As the second largest county in the United States, I realize that we have many challenges, but we also have many resources," Brown said in a news release. "We must work together to ensure that we meet the needs of our entire community."

During his 29-year tenure with the Chicago Police Department, Brown served as chief of the organized crime unit, commanding officer, assistant deputy superintendent and commander.

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