Former NC public safety chief sworn into second-in-command position at FEMA

Former state Public Safety Secretary Erik Hooks was sworn in as the Federal Emergency Management Agency's deputy administrator on Monday.

He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate last week, after being appointed to the position by President Joe Biden earlier in the year.

Hooks retired from DPS on Aug. 1 after leading the department for four and a half years.

"Helping people before, during and after disasters - there is no more noble purpose ... I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work" Hook said after being sworn in on Monday.

Hooks is a native of Spring Lake and earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from North Carolina State University.