MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM), the state’s coordinating agency for disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery efforts, has been recognized by the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) for its commitment to excellence. The EMAP commission last week approved the division’s application for accreditation renewal, following an extensive review of WEM policies and procedures.
“This accreditation demonstrates that Wisconsin Emergency Management meets the highest standards for the field,” said WEM Administrator Greg Engle. “This achievement is the result of the hard work of all our staff, and it helps to prove that Wisconsin’s disaster preparedness and response operations are capable of standing up to the challenges the state may face.”
WEM, a division of the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs, works with state and federal agencies, private sector partners, volunteer organizations, and the state’s county and tribal emergency management offices to build capabilities and coordinate resources to support a safe and resilient Wisconsin. WEM oversees programs focused on building emergency response plans, conducting training classes and functional exercises, coordinating the deployment of resources, and overseeing recovery and mitigation programs.
“Emergency management is a critical part of the Department of Military Affair’s mission, and this accreditation reflects the tremendous effort made by the division to ensure it is ready to respond to the toughest situations,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, Wisconsin’s adjutant general.
Review by the EMAP is the only accreditation process for emergency management programs and is a fundamental part of creating a national preparedness system that can stand up to the challenges presented by natural and man-made disasters.
“Congratulations to those programs that have maintained their accredited status as well as those who have joined the elite leaders in emergency management having earned accreditation through the Emergency Management Accreditation Program. Through their commitment and leadership, they have proven to their communities and stakeholders that their Programs are sustainable and that they continue to focus on their communities’ best interests,” stated Angee Morgan, deputy director of Kansas Division of Emergency Management and the EMAP commission chair.
WEM was first accredited by the EMAP in 2016. The division is required to undergo self-assessment and a peer review of its operations every five years to maintain that status. The most recent renewal process started in late 2021 and was carried out through 2022.
More information about the EMAP and its standards is available at https://emap.org/.
Learn more about WEM and its mission at https://wem.wi.gov/ or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WisconsinEmergencyManagement/.
