News Summary
Robert Catanese has been appointed as the new Community Relations and Public Information Manager for the Chatham County Fire Department. With over 14 years of experience, Catanese aims to improve community engagement and transparency. His recent work includes responding to multiple incidents, showcasing the fire department’s commitment to public safety and effective communication. Catanese’s dedication will enhance the department’s outreach and strengthen connections with the community.
Savannah, Georgia – The Chatham County Fire Department has announced the appointment of Robert Catanese as the new Community Relations and Public Information Manager. Catanese, a resident of Savannah, brings over 14 years of experience in news media and county government to the role. His expertise includes storytelling, public communication, and community engagement, which positions him well to enhance the department’s connections with the local community.
Prior to this new role, Catanese worked for five years in the Chatham County Public Information Office, where he earned a reputation as a reliable source of accurate information. For the past year, he has been associated with the Chatham County Fire Department, focusing on building stronger community ties. Catanese emphasizes transparency, public trust, and service to the community, elements that are critical in his new position.
Catanese was born in Queens, New York, and raised in Jupiter, Florida. He is married to Paula Catanese and is a father of two children, Gabrielle and Christian.
Response to Recent Incidents
The Chatham County Fire Department has been active in recent days, responding to several incidents within the county. On August 4, 2025, at approximately 3:08 PM, firefighters were called to the scene of a multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of Veterans Parkway and Chatham Parkway. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, although the department advised motorists to avoid the area while crews worked to clear the scene.
Later that same evening, at 8:26 PM, firefighters responded to a vehicle fire at a gas station located on Gateway Boulevard. Similar to the earlier incident, there were no injuries reported, and the fire department successfully managed the situation.
On the previous day, August 3, 2025, a house fire occurred on Pine Grove Drive, displacing two adults and four children. During this incident, the fire department also rescued multiple pets, showcasing their commitment to not only the residents but also their animals. The American Red Cross is now assisting the affected family with temporary accommodations and support.
Recent House Fire Highlights
The fire department had also responded to another significant house fire on Pine Needle Ct. on July 31, 2025, at around 3:12 PM. The department shared a time-lapse video documenting the fire, which highlights the effectiveness of their quick response. After ensuring all hazards were mitigated, the home was returned to its owners with no injuries reported, indicating the successful management of the incident.
In their commitment to transparency and public information, the Chatham County Fire Department has published photos revealing the condition of the garage during and after the Pine Needle Ct. fire incident. These efforts not only inform the community about ongoing risks but also educate residents about fire safety and prevention measures.
As the new Community Relations and Public Information Manager, Robert Catanese is expected to further these outreach efforts, ensuring that the community remains informed and engaged with the department’s activities and services. His background in public communication and dedication to community service will play a crucial role in fostering a strong relationship between the Chatham County Fire Department and the citizens it serves.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Chatham County Fire Dept Responds to Multi-Vehicle Crash
- WJCL: Chatham County House Fire on Pine Grove Road
- WSAV: Firefighters Respond to Chatham County Vehicle Fire
- Savannah Business Journal: Chatham County Fire Department Addresses Recent Volunteer Resignations
- WTOC: Chatham Fire Dept Shares Time Lapse of Savannah House Fire
- Wikipedia: Fire Department
- Google Search: Chatham County Fire Department
- Google Scholar: Fire Department Response
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Services
- Google News: Chatham County Fire Department
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
