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Hamblen County emergency management director Chris Bell to resign effective Jan. 31, 2026
Summary
Chris Bell, Hamblen County emergency management director, submitted a resignation letter effective Jan. 31, 2026, after 14 years in the role; he offered to assist with the transition and thanked partners and staff.
The mayor told commissioners he received a letter from Chris Bell, director of the Morristown‑Hamblen Emergency Management Agency, announcing Bell's resignation effective Jan. 31, 2026. In the letter Bell said, "After much thought and consideration, I am submitting my resignation from my position of director of Morristown Hamblen emergency management agency effective 01/31/2026." He described the role as an honor during 14 years of service and offered to assist in a smooth transition.
The announcement was delivered as an informational item; commissioners acknowledged receipt and no immediate personnel action was taken at the meeting. The mayor said he will circulate the resignation by email to commissioners and that Bell has committed to help with the transition process.
The resignation has operational implications for emergency‑management continuity and may prompt the county to initiate a recruitment or interim assignment process; the transcript does not record any formal appointment or search plan.
