MANATEE — The Florida Division of Emergency Management has honored Manatee’s Laurie Feagans as its first “County Emergency Director of the Year.”
Feagans, 59, of Sarasota, who has been the county’s emergency management chief for 14 years, accepted the award recently during a ceremony in Orlando.
It recognized innovative practices and achievements in making safer, stronger and better-prepared communities, officials said.
Award-winners exemplified excellence in emergency planning, successful public-private partnerships, collaboration, demonstration of creative and innovative local problem-solving and use of sound programs, they said.
“Laurie has distinguished herself amongst her peers for outstanding public service to not only the residents of Manatee County, but to disaster survivors in numerous communities throughout Florida and the Southeast during their times of need,” said Ruben D. Almaguer, interim director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
“Her dedication and ongoing commitment to go the extra mile and make a difference in the lives of many is why Laurie was chosen as county director of the year,” he added.
Feagans said Tuesday that she had not even known she had been nominated.
“It truly was a shock, a lovely surprise,” she said.
Feagans credited her division’s team and other county employees, sheriff’s office personnel, and school board staff members. She also praised Red Cross officials and Manatee County Health Department workers, all of whom comprise an expanded emergency response team.
Feagans is the consummate professional who makes everyone look good, said Manatee County Public Safety Director Bill Hutchison.
“Laurie is calm under excruciating pressure, and she is well-organized and task-oriented the rest of the time,” Hutchison said. “What more could you ask for? Manatee County is in good hands in good times and in bad times.”
Sara Kennedy, Herald reporter, can be reached at (941) 745-7031 or at skennedy@bradenton.com.
Email Story
Printer Friendly 
Quick Job Search
@Nyx.replyAnswerText@