Lt. Governor’s Be Prepared Awards Recognize Volunteers and Communities
RELEASE DATE: Sep 17, 2018
Lincoln, Neb. — On Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, Lt. Gov. Mike Foley presented this year’s Be Prepared awards, recognizing volunteers and community organizations for excellence in emergency preparedness and disaster response. He was joined by Nebraska Emergency Management Agency Assistant Director Bryan Tuma and Preparedness Section Manager Nikki Weber and Nebraska Citizen Corps Coordinator Ryan Lowry to present six emergency preparedness awards.
Presented during National Preparedness Month, the Be Prepared Awards program is in its 11th year of honoring Nebraskans who volunteer their time and energy to support preparedness in Nebraska communities. The awards are sponsored by the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency in partnership with the Nebraska Citizen Corps Program and the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center.
“Even though September is recognized as National Preparedness Month, the Nebraskans being honored here today understand the necessity of being prepared year-round,” Lt. Gov. Foley said. “Their commitment to preparedness helps ensure our communities are able to recover from disasters or emergencies. It’s encouraging to see how Nebraskans from across the state work to ensure their communities are well-prepared for all kinds of disasters,” said Lowry. “Their efforts to promote whole-community preparedness make our state stronger and more resilient."
Terry Mailloux of Pender received the Local Hero Award, recognizing extraordinary service and leadership in helping residents following the June 2018 flooding that impacted northeast Nebraska.
Dennis Mitchell of Omaha received the Excellence in Risk Communication Award for demonstrating superior efforts in raising awareness of risks and hazards in his community through the innovative use of amateur radio technology.
Butch Hug and the University of Nebraska Athletics Event Staff received the Excellence in Community Preparedness Award, which recognizes an individual or organization committed to creating a stronger community through preparedness planning and disaster preparation. From left, Andy Moser, Tim Henrichs, Matt Davidson, Kale Terrill, Derek Bond and Butch Hug.
Cody Meredith of Seward received the Excellence in Preparedness Education and Outreach Award, which honors an individual or group demonstrating a commitment and dedication to the safety of the public by volunteering to train, educate and promote preparedness.
Tri-County Fire Corps received the Citizen Corps Partner Program of the Year which honors an agency or organization demonstrating a significant commitment to create strong partnerships with other preparedness organizations. From left, Jesse Eret, Charlie Oborny and Jeff Strawn.
Annabelle Keene of Bellevue was recognized with the Citizen Corps Volunteer of the Year Award, recognizing her outstanding commitment to multiple disaster preparedness and response programs and her dedication to volunteering her time to ensure her community is better prepared in the event of a disaster or emergency.
