Association of Minnesota Emergency Managers

09/25/2026

Congratulations and thank you, White Earth Band of Chippewa Indians and Mahnomen County Emergency Management Director Ed Snetsinger! Incoming Association president Marlyn Halvorson recognized Past President Snetsinger’s devotion and expertise during his term as president, noting his efforts will have a lasting impact on the Association and its members.

09/25/2026

Congratulations to Mike Keyport! Mike was honored with Life Member status at the 65th Annual AMEM Conference earlier this week. Life Members are those who retire from the emergency management profession and have been active members of the Association for at least ten years. Nominations for Life Membership are made by the region in which the member resides and approved by the AMEM Board of Directors.

09/25/2026

Congratulations to Otter Tail County Emergency Management Director Patrick Waletzko! 2025-2026 President Ed Snetsinger presented Patrick with the President’s Award in recognition of his leadership and dedication to the Association and the emergency management profession.

09/25/2026

Congratulations to Lac Qui Parle County Emergency Management Director Blain Johnson! Blain is recipient of the Emergency Management Best Practice Award in recognition of his leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to advancing emergency preparedness in Region 2 and throughout Minnesota.

09/25/2026

Congratulations to Goodhue County Emergency Management Director Earl Merchlewitz! Earl’s Outstanding Performance in Emergency Management Award is given in recognition of his dedication to school emergency preparedness, and leadership efforts on the Indoor School Mapping Project across Goodhue County, the Southeast Emergency Communications Region, and statewide.

09/25/2026

Congratulations to Wright County Emergency Management Deputy Director Richard Ward! Richard’s Outstanding Performance in Emergency Management Award is given in recognition of his proactive planning, partnership-building, and commitment to continual improvement, especially in advancing school reunification practices across the ten school districts in Wright County.

09/25/2026

Congratulations to Jacklin Steege and Gina Heyer of Crow Wing County! They are recipients of the Outstanding Performance in Emergency Management Award because of their collaborative efforts during the Flanders Fire of May 2026 to create a safe, supportive environment for evacuees, which made a direct and meaningful impact on the safety and comfort of the community in time of need.

09/25/2026

Earlier this week, emergency managers from around the state and beyond gathered for the 65th AMEM Annual Conference. Among the highlights was the swearing-in of new and returning officers.
* President: Marlyn Halvorson, Carlton County
* 1st Vice-President: Rob Morehouse, City of Duluth
* 2nd Vice-President: Carl Nyquist, Murray County
* Judge Advocate: Troy Christenson, Hubbard County
* Treasurer: Kristy Stauffer, Ramsey County
* Secretary: Ruth Vogel, Cook County

08/25/2026

Why Emergency Management Needs Your Support
• Protect Lives. Stronger emergency management means faster response, better communication, and fewer casualties.
• Protect Budgets. Investing in planning, mitigation, and preparedness reduces future disaster costs and accelerates recovery.
• Protect Trust. Coordinated leadership during a crisis fosters public confidence and enables communities to function effectively under pressure.

08/20/2026

https://dps.mn.gov/news/hsem/emergency-managers-mn-keeping-our-communities-prepared-and-safe

August is National Emergency Management Awareness Month, and we’re celebrating the people who work in emergency management, a field that often goes unseen.