Chris Evan, Emergency Operations Director for CCSO, retires after 24 years
Director Evan moved to Citrus County in 1988 from Bergen County, NJ. He earned a B.A. in Criminology from St. Leo University, his police certification at the College of Central Florida's Police Academy, and has worked toward his Master’s degree while completing the Administrative Officer’s Course at the Southern Police Institute and graduating from FEMA’s Advanced Emergency Management Academy.
In 1990, Evan began his law enforcement career with the Dunnellon Police Department, where he served for 7 years before transitioning to the CCSO. In 1990, he also became a member of the then volunteer-only Citrus County Fire Rescue, where he attained the rank of Lieutenant. Prior to joining the CCSO, he earned numerous awards and accolades for his service.
In 1997, Director Evan began his career with the CCSO as a deputy sheriff, and quickly worked his way through the ranks, becoming an Operations Sergeant in just four years. After serving in this capacity for two years, Director Evan felt the call to serve his community in a more hands-on, interactive way, which led him to serve as the Community Affairs Sergeant for a decade. Evan was then promoted to Lieutenant of Professional Standards, where he oversaw his agency's policies to ensure they met all national accreditation standards.
From 2014 through July 2020, Evan served as Deputy Director, second in command over the Emergency Operations Division, where he developed an Emergency Management Plan and an All-Hazards Plan to ensure the community was prepared for any emergency. Evan also reinstituted the agency's Crime Prevention Program and developed a training course for detectives in the Community Crimes division, to assess buildings for potential security threats. In July 2020, Evan was promoted to Director of Emergency Operations, upon the retirement of Captain David DeCarlo, in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, working with the Department of Health to provide personal protective equipment (PPE), develop community messaging, and ensure that emergency management protocols were in effect.
"The dedication Chris has shown to the safety of Citrus County's citizens has undoubtedly made a difference in the lives of many during a disaster," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "The men and women of the Citrus County Sheriff's Office could not be more grateful to Chris for all of the time, energy, and passion he has given to our community in the last twenty-four years."
Director Evan has been married to his wife, Ronda, for 26 years, and they have one daughter. During his free time, Chris is occupied with the family’s love of horses. He's been a 4H club leader for many years, and is an active member of Gulf to Lake Baptist Church in Crystal River.
When Citrus County's contract with the CCSO expires on Oct. 1, 2021, the county would have been responsible for the operation of the county's emergency management department. However, last week, the county commission decided to leave the department's operation under the directioon of the CCSO, and to use a hiring committee to review applicants. The hiring committree will sumbit its selections to Sheriff Prendergast, who will then make his selection, subject to the approval of county commissioners. The hiring committee will be comprised of representative from the CCSO, the City of Crystal River, the City of Inverness, the Florida Department of Health in Citrus County, the Citrus County School District, Citrus County Fire Rescue, and Citrus County Administrator Randy Oliver. The annual cost to operate the agency's emergency department is estimated at $300K-$450K, with about $180K offset by grants.