DHS Celebrates EMA Appreciation Week On Feb. 20-26

Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb has proclaimed Feb. 20-26 as EMA Appreciation Week, honoring those county-level emergency managers who work around the clock to protect their communities from disasters.

EMA appreciation week

Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) celebrates this week by shining a spotlight on the many faces that work behind the scenes to mitigate and respond to disasters. These EMAs work closely with IDHS to share information, train and exercise emergency response.

Most recently, emergency managers were on the clock as Winter Storm Landon dropped snow and ice across Indiana. They worked with local governments to make sure each county had what they needed in the right place to handle tasks such as clearing snow from the roads, assisting stranded motorists and more. When roads became too dangerous to pass, emergency managers and local governments made the call to issue travel advisories, watches or warnings to guide Hoosiers in their decision to travel in the storm. 

“Emergency Managers were in constant contact with the State Emergency Operations Center. While IDHS was able to assist if needed, emergency managers were in full control of what was happening in their counties and initiating the assistance needed by their communities. It was an impressive effort by everyone to dig Indiana out from Winter Storm Landon,” said Mary Moran, IDHS emergency management and preparedness director. “They are the reason Indiana communities were able to return to normal so quickly after the storm. They’ll also continue to work on long-term recovery.” 

Throughout the week, IDHS will be highlighting emergency managers across the state and asking them why they enjoy serving Hoosiers. Follow IDHS on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to learn about the emergency managers serving your county. For more information about EMA Appreciation Week, visit the IDHS website.

To learn more about the EMA in your county, you also can visit the IDHS State Contact dashboard on the IDHS website.

2022 marks the third time Holcomb has issued a proclamation to honor emergency managers in Indiana.