UPDATE ON MISSING PERSON
9/25 – 5:00 PM
BHI Public Safety has been working with its regional partners throughout the day, attempting to locate Mr. Bane. We have not located Mr. Bane on the island, and all evidence suggests he is no longer on the island.  However, we will continue to search for him in the coming days and encourage folks to please call 911 if you see him or notice anything out of the ordinary.

We would like to sincerely thank the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Department, Oak Island Fire Drone Unit, Oak Island Water Rescue, North Carolina Wildlife, and Brunswick County Search and Rescue for their help today. Today’s efforts would not have been possible without the expertise and assistance of these partner agencies. 


INCREASED LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY ON 9/25
Islanders may notice increased law enforcement activity this morning (9/25) as the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office assists the BHI Department of Public Safety with a missing-person search.
There is no information indicating a threat to the community.

UPDATE: The Bald Head Island Department of Public Safety is asking for the public’s help in locating Nathaniel Bane, age 40, of Harnett County, North Carolina.
Last seen: Bald Head Island Marina on 9/12/2026 at approximately 7:30 p.m.

If you see Mr. Bane or have any information regarding his whereabouts, please call 911 immediately. Your assistance could make a difference in bringing him home.

BURN BAN
Coinciding with Brunswick County’s recent burn ban, the Village of Bald Head Island is currently under a burn ban.  All burning within 100 ft. of any structure is banned on BHI. The ban does not apply to charcoal or gas grills, provided fire safety precautions are taken. Grilling safety tips can be found HERE.

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Public Safety Department
Lead Staff

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Department Info

The Department of Public Safety is charged with ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents, employees, and visitors to the island, as well as the security and safety of the properties on the island.  All Public Safety Officers are required to become certified in law enforcement, firefighting, and as an EMT or paramedic.  In addition, they must be trained in water rescue.  

Staff: The Department is led by the Emergency Services Director, Paul Anderson, Command Staff, Deputy Chief, Police Philip Horne, and Deputy Chief, Fire/EMS, Buddy Brooks.  There are four shifts that are led by a lieutenant, with three to six Public Safety Officers on duty 24 hours a day and seven days a week.  

The Administrative Assistant to the Director handles ICE permits, assists with online golf cart registrations, and handles general office duties.   

The department is supported by a volunteer staff who assist with medical emergencies, firefighting, and water rescue.

Equipment: The Department has three fully-equipped fire engines. The Department has two ambulances that are fully stocked for emergencies and a mini-ambulance that is available for use on narrow roads and on bridges. 

Water rescue is facilitated by two jet skis, a 16-foot zodiac with a 60 HP engine, and a Jon boat for use in the marsh.  An ATV and a UTV are available for use in beach rescue.   

Public Safety Officers patrol in the two Quick Response Vehicles, which are equipped with a variety of supplies for first response to medical emergencies, fires, and water rescue, as well as for law enforcement.