Disaster preparations in Salt Lake County will continue with a new emergency management chief at the helm.

Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon has nominated Jeffrey Graviet to prepare for the worst. The County Council must give final approval to the hire on Tuesday.

"His expertise is exactly what we need so that Salt Lake County will be well-prepared for a large-scale emergency," Corroon said.

Graviet comes to the county after 24 years of service with the Utah Department of Public Safety. He will retire with the rank of major.

He moved up the ranks at DPS all the way to deputy director of homeland security, and was responsible for the emergency management division for the state.

In his new position in Salt Lake County, Graviet will be in charge providing information to the policymakers on the formulation, preparation, coordination and implementation of policies and plans to respond to potential natural disasters, emergencies and other public safety crises.

"This opportunity gives me a chance to use my skills and experience and apply it to Salt Lake County emergency services," Graviet said in a statement.

Graviet has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and is a graduate of the Northwestern Police Staff and Command College.

Graviet has also held command positions with the Utah Highway Patrol, State Bureau of Investigations and served as deputy director of Peace Officer Standards and Training.

In June, the county sent more than 70 people to Emmitsburg, Md., to put the county's battle plan for a major disaster to the test.

"I'm confident I can add value to the great work that is currently being done on behalf of the citizens of Salt Lake County and look forward to serving," Graviet said.

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