FORT WORTH – Following a series of informational training sessions, educational workshops, and networking opportunities at the Texas Emergency Management Conference that occurred throughout the week, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) announced the winners of the Texas Emergency Management Awards, recognizing the accomplishments of those in the emergency management field in Texas during the past year.
“Today we had the opportunity to recognize some of Texas’ most dedicated public servants.” said Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd. “From the first responders and government officials, to industry leaders, to their families, everyone has a role to play in protecting our communities from disasters. Today, we get to say thank you to those who continue to make the commitment to supporting Texas communities.”
The awards were bestowed at a luncheon as part of the Texas Emergency Management Conference at the Fort Worth Convention Center.
Winners were selected based on various criteria for each category, but each ultimately proved their leadership, courage, and dedication to serving their communities during times of disaster.
Texas Emergency Management Hall of Fame – David M. McCurdy (Tarrant County), Robert James "RJ" Thomas (Dallas County), R.W. “Bob” Royall, Jr. (Dallas County)
Induction to the Texas Emergency Management Hall of Fame is for those who have dedicated their life to enhancing emergency management in the state and the nation. These men and women represent the best of us in leading by example, charting new courses, and motivating us to find the best in ourselves. Our lives are better because they have served and show us what it means to be experts in our field.
Texas Emergency Management Hometown Hero – Saul Solis (Hidalgo County)
The Emergency Management Hometown Hero Award recognizes an individual or group that exhibited extraordinary service and leadership in helping fellow residents during an emergency situation, disaster or crisis scene.
Texas Emergency Management Spouse of the Year – Stacey Clements (Williamson County)
This award recognizes a spouse who not only contributes to emergency management by supporting their spouse but also makes their own contributions to emergency management community.
Texas Emergency Management Partnership Recognition – Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management Incident Liaison Program (Harris County)
The Texas Emergency Management Partnership Award recognizes agencies that demonstrated a significant commitment to creating a strong partnership with the local government officials and participation in local community preparedness initiatives.
Texas Emergency Management Agency of the Year – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
The Texas Emergency Management Council Agency of the Year Award recognizes outstanding support provided by an agency to the communities of Texas during disasters.
Texas Emergency Management Leadership Award – Ricardo Saldaña (Hidalgo County), Jeff Johnston (Hidalgo County)
The Texas Emergency Management Leadership Award recognizes an individual, within or outside the formal emergency management community whose outstanding achievements demonstrated a positive and dramatic change in emergency management departments and/or the community.
Distinguished Volunteer Service Award – Gary Flaharty (Harris County)
The Distinguished Volunteer Service Award recognizes an individual or group who combine practical achievements with innovative solutions to create a significant impact in times of disaster.
Spirit of Service of Award – Blair Ferrier (Travis County)
The Spirit of Service Award is a tribute to those whose volunteer efforts are driven by heart, transforming goodwill into action and inspiration into reality.
Texas Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) Member of the Year – David Overton (Midland County)
The Texas RACES member of the year for outstanding service by a volunteer recognizes an individual or group that merge actionable results with creative thinking, leaving a profound impact in the wake of disasters.
Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) Member Organization of the Year – The Salvation Army – Emergency Disaster Services Division (Dallas County)
The VOAD Member Organization of the Year Award recognizes an individual or group that that has demonstrated exceptional commitment, impact, and service in disaster response and recovery across our great state. The recipient exemplifies the 4 C’s of VOAD: Cooperation, Communication, Coordination, Collaboration.
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