Georgia Office of Homeland Security | |
Emergency Management Professionals Recognized at Governor’s Conference | |
ATLANTA – Whether responding to a tornado touchdown, searching for a lost child, or assisting with a fatal accident involving tankers carrying hazardous materials, emergency managers often go above and beyond the call of duty. Now, a Cherokee County emergency management specialist has gone to the next professional level, as well.
State law dictates that all county emergency managers or deputy directors who have been appointed after July 1, 1999, are required to complete a Certified Emergency Manager training program provided by the Office of Homeland Security - Georgia Emergency Management Agency (OHS-GEMA). However, Mr. Robert L. Kennedy, Cherokee County’s Emergency Management Specialist has exceeded the minimum requirements, completing more than 200 hours of intensive training to become a Master Certified Emergency Manager. The award recipient was recognized at OHS-GEMA’s Governor’s Emergency Management conference, held April 27 – 29 at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center on Hutchinson Island.
“Training is an essential component in the emergency management field,” said OHS-GEMA Director Mike Sherberger. “Mr. Kennedy is commended for his commitment to go beyond the basic training requirements demonstrating his commitment to Georgia’s communities.”
To achieve the Master Certified Emergency Manager status, applicants must complete the Certified Emergency Manager program, serve a minimum of five years in an emergency management position, and fulfill additional training and program development initiatives.
In addition, Mr. Jesse “Rusty” Sanders, Director, Burke County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) received the Neil Holton Training Award for attending the most training classes last year. Mr. David Murphy and Jackson County EMA also received the award for hosting the most field-delivered courses.
For more information on OHS-GEMA, call 1-800-TRY-GEMA or visit www.gema.state.ga.us.
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