Flagler County Emergency Management Manager Ryan Simpson was presented with the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association (FEPA) “Gary Arnold Emergency Management Service Award” at its annual meeting Thursday (February 1). This award is provided to an individual for dedicated, unselfish and enthusiastic service to improving the emergency management community in Florida.

“I am humbled to be receiving this award,” Simpson said. “I really love what I do, and I get to work with some amazing people – both Flagler County staff and the team of volunteers I have the privilege to oversee.”

Lord nominated Simpson but was uninvolved in the selection.

“I am very excited for him,” Lord said. “He is a dedicated emergency manager for Flagler County, and equally dedicated to the profession throughout the State of Florida.”

Simpson in his role for the county takes the lead for emergency management planning, exercise, and accreditation programs. Statewide, he is part of the FEPA Academy cadre instructing, supporting logistics, and he coordinates other instructors for key sections of the curriculum. Simpson is also a FEPA certification commissioner.

“He is a true model employee here at the county,” Lord said. “He directly oversees more than 20 active volunteers, in addition to taking time away from his family to fulfill his obligations to FEPA.”

The Florida Emergency Preparedness Association was created in 1956 to help professional Emergency Managers work to protect the people of Florida. It serves as Florida’s premier association representing emergency managers in both the private and public sector, inclusive of all levels of government.