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Distinguished Service Award
Presented to long-standing members of FEPA upon their retirement from the emergency management profession.
This award recognizes a lifetime of commitment: honoring those whose careers have strengthened both their communities and the profession of emergency management across Florida.
Chad Reed - Emergency Management Professional of the Year Award
Presented to an emergency management professional who has distinguished themselves through exceptional leadership, service, and impact.
Named in honor of Chad Reed, who became Florida’s youngest county emergency management director at 24 and later served as FEPA Treasurer and 2004 President. Chad’s dedication and courage left a lasting mark on Florida’s emergency management community. Since 2011, this award has stood as FEPA’s highest honor, recognizing professionals who reflect Chad’s spirit of service and sacrifice.
Chad Reed became the youngest person appointed as a Florida County Emergency Management Director when asked to serve by Dixie County at the age of 24. Chad's devotion to emergency service began early as he completed volunteer service and his EMT training in high school. By doing this, he could qualify for a paid position the January following his graduation.
Chad was an active member of the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association, served on numerous Association Committees, served as FEPA Treasurer and was elected to serve as FEPA's 2004 President. Tragically, Chad died in the line of duty in 2010 at the age of 33, while serving with the Dixie County Sheriff's Office.
In recognition of Chad's dedication and service to emergency management, FEPA named its highest honor, the Emergency Management Professional of the Year Award, in Chad's memory. The inaugural "Chad Reed Emergency Manager of the Year Award" was conferred by FEPA during the Association's 2011 Awards Ceremony.
Legislative Achievement Award
Presented to a local, state, or federal legislator whose leadership has advanced emergency management in Florida through impactful legislation.
This award highlights the critical role of legislative champions in shaping policies that strengthen our ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
Volunteer Award
Presented to an individual or organization from the volunteer sector who has made significant contributions to emergency management.
Nominees must be non-paid volunteers whose time, talent, and commitment have supported Florida’s emergency management mission in extraordinary ways.
Corporate Award
Presented to an individual or organization from the private sector whose contributions have greatly advanced emergency management in Florida.
This award recognizes the essential partnerships that help strengthen our state’s preparedness and response capabilities.
Media Award
Presented to an individual or organization for outstanding efforts to educate and inform the public about emergency management through media.
This award honors those who help Floridians better understand risks, stay informed, and take action to keep themselves and their families safe.
Gary Arnold Emergency Management Service Award
Presented to a group or individual for dedicated, unselfish, and enthusiastic service to improving the emergency management community.
Named for Gary S. Arnold, a respected professional who began his service in Collier County in 1998 and shared his expertise statewide until his passing in 2001. This award recognizes those who embody Gary’s spirit of generosity, technical skill, and commitment to service.
Gary S. Arnold (WB2WPA) began his service in emergency management as the Emergency Management Coordinator for Collier County Emergency Management in March, 1998. After a 20 year career in radio and television, Gary brought his interest and experience in communications and technology working to upgrade communications and computer services critical in an emergency and developed Collier County's first mobile command and communication center vehicle.
Gary shared this expertise with the emergency management community at large through his involvement with the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association, the Governor's Hurricane Conference and serving on damage assessment teams following Hurricanes Gilbert, Hugo, and Andrew.
Gary passed away in May, 2001 after getting off shift supporting a wildfire operations; he was 50 years old.
Emerging Leader Award
Presented to an emergency management professional with less than three years of experience who has already made significant contributions to the field.
This award celebrates the promise of the next generation, recognizing rising leaders whose passion and innovation are shaping the future of our profession.
FEPA Service Award
Presented to an individual or group whose contributions have directly enhanced the FEPA organization.
This award is reserved for those whose dedication has strengthened FEPA itself, ensuring that our association continues to thrive and serve Florida’s emergency management community. Nominees must not have been compensated by the association for their contribution. The FEPA Board of Directors selects the recipient(s) of this award.
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