Crawford stepped down from Smyth County post
Curtis Crawford was among several first responders recognized by the county in 2023. Board of Supervisors Chair Charlie Atkinson, right, presented him with a certificate.
Curtis Crawford during Thursday's Board of Supervisors Public Safety Committee meeting.
Curtis Crawford took the helm as emergency services coordinator for Smyth County in the fall of 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was ramping up in the region.
His days proved to be full.
Crawford helped establish the first branch of Smyth County Fire & Rescue to serve the Atkins area and became the agency’s chief. Months later, he would lead the transition of Saltville’s medical rescue services into another branch of the new agency.
Then, on Sept. 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene struck, devastating many and much in this community, destroying homes, agricultural needs, and more. The storm changed the course of waterways. It damaged roads and brought down trees upon trees.
In February 2025, another damaging storm struck.
In the middle of all those issues and on the frontlines was Crawford, working to help people, track damages and coordinate with state and federal officials.
Looking back a year after Helene, Crawford reflected not on the damage but on the community, “One of the greatest lessons we have learned is that it takes a village (a community). The number of citizens and individuals from organizations and even strangers that have stepped up and helped their neighbors has been simply amazing…. From the moment the first drop of water fell to the Smyth soil, people went above and beyond to help others to recover from the effects of the storm. As a public servant that has worked around the region, I am always proud of my home and the love that we show each other.”
All the above was accomplished while Crawford managed a $9.5 million radio replacement project for all law enforcement and first responders.
Friday was Crawford’s last day with Smyth County, but he’s continuing his career of public service. He’s now working for the health department.
Thursday, the Board of Supervisors Public Safety Committee lauded Crawford’s service.
County Administrator Shawn Utt said the county was sitting on toothpicks when Crawford came. In his time with the county, Utt said Crawford built a strong foundation.
Supervisor Courtney Widener ticked off many of the major challenges Crawford faced and told Crawford he had many accomplishments to hang his hat on.
Noting that he has high standards and frequent questions, Supervisor Jason Parris told Crawford that he’d answered every inquiry.
Crawford didn’t accept all the credit but directed attention to his department and county staff and first responders.
Widener noted that Crawford’s shoes won’t be easy to fill.
The county is advertising for a director of public safety. A detailed job description is available at smythcounty.org.
Early on the description says, “The Director of Public Safety (DPS) performs complex administrative work in developing, directing and implementing a comprehensive Public Safety program for the County as well as acting as an incident commander and emergency operations group chief as needed.”
With the complexity of the radio project, Crawford will work with the county in a consulting capacity.
