The Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA) is proud to announce the celebration of its 75th Anniversary this August, recognizing seven and a half decades of unwavering service in emergency preparedness, disaster response, and public safety coordination. To honor this milestone, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners will issue a formal proclamation during its meeting on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, commemorating AFCEMA’s legacy and forward-looking mission.

“Over the last 75 years, AFCEMA has worked tirelessly to deliver high-quality service and trusted leadership in times of crisis,” said Joe Barasoain, Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security for Fulton County. “I am proud to work alongside public servants who are passionate about making Fulton County a safer, stronger, and more resilient community.”

75 Years of Progress: A Legacy of Protection

AFCEMA originated in the mid-1940s as the Atlanta-Fulton County Civil Defense Office, a volunteer-led unit based in the basement of the Municipal Auditorium, supporting the national home guard and air raid system during World War II. After the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950, it evolved into the Atlanta Metropolitan Area Civil Defense (AMACD) to coordinate regional emergency efforts, later becoming the Atlanta-Fulton County Civil Defense Agency in 1974 and adopting its current name in 1982 under the Georgia Emergency Management Act."

Critical Role in the 1996 Olympic Games

One of the agency’s most high-profile operations occurred during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta. In preparation for the international event, AFCEMA collaborated with local, state, and federal partners to prepare for potential mass-casualty or terrorism-related events. Working alongside the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), AFCEMA provided critical local leadership that helped ensure public safety during one of the largest and most complex international events ever hosted in Georgia. 

Looking Ahead

Throughout its evolution, AFCEMA has served as the lead agency responsible for mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery activities in Fulton County—working in close partnership with municipalities, state and federal agencies, non-profits, schools, and the private sector. AFCEMA continues to innovate and lead in emergency management. From hurricanes and severe storms to public health crises and homeland security events, the agency’s commitment to community readiness and resilience remains steadfast. As it marks this historic anniversary, AFCEMA reflects on its rich legacy while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow—ensuring that Fulton County remains equipped to face any emergency with strength, coordination, and care.

To learn more about AFCEMA visit www.fultoncountyga.gov.