Awards and Recognition
Know someone making a real difference in the emergency management field or within their community? Nominate them for one of the many awards presented annually by AAEM. Outstanding achievements and best practices deserve to be celebrated.
All nominations must be submitted online.
Pat Neuhauser Spirit of EMA Award
Presented to an individual who is dedicated, faithful and loyal, with a high level of enthusiasm in promoting emergency management and a willingness to share and serve.
One award is presented each year. A person may only be awarded once.
Previous Winners
- 2025Rita Smith
- 2024AJ Brown
- 2023Jon Lambert
- 2022Jody Hitt
- 2021—
- 2020—
- 2019—
- 2018Phyllis Little
- 2017Eddie Lary
- 2016Jenni Guerry
- 2015Ronnie Adair
- 2014Ricky Little
- 2013Anita McBurnett
- 2012Mindy Nash
- 2011Daun King
- 2010Ellen Tanner
- 2009Deborah Gaither
- 2008Dan Isley
- 2007Max Armstrong
- 2006H. Edward Hicks
- 2005Chuck Murph
- 2004Pat Neuhauser (posthumous)
Alfred T. Moore Memorial Volunteer Service Award
Alfred (Tom) Moore served as a long-time volunteer at the Lee County Emergency Management Agency and distinguished himself through service to the entire profession of emergency management and the citizens of Alabama. Tom’s extensive knowledge and experience with siren hardware and communications were instrumental in the creation of the first storm-based polygon siren activation system in the US, the Weather Message Siren Controller, developed by Danny Lloyd. Tom was a respected HAM radio enthusiast and worked tirelessly recruiting and training amateur radio technicians for the Alabama Skywarn organization.
Qualifications: Recognizes a volunteer who has demonstrated loyalty, a willingness to serve at a moment’s notice in an emergency needing their assistance, and service in a volunteer capacity for at least 5 years. One award may be presented each year. Please provide supporting details, photographs, etc. that illustrate these qualities in your nominee.
Program and Individual Awards
AAEM also recognizes outstanding programs and individuals each year.
2026 Recipients
Past Recipients
2025
- Rookie of the YearLauren Jeffers, Lee County EMA
- Career Achievement in Emergency Management AwardMichael Posey, DeKalb County EMA
- Preparedness Program of the Year (Large)Tuscaloosa County
- Preparedness Program of the Year (Medium)Elmore County
- Response Program of the Year (Medium)Lee County
- Response Program of the Year (Small)Jackson County
2024
- Rookie of the YearBlake Farmer, Marshall County
- Preparedness Program of the Year (Medium)Russell County
- Mitigation Program of the Year (Medium)Russell County EMA
- Scholarship AwardCharity Mitchum, St. Clair County EMA
- Scholarship AwardTamara Croom Doss, Tuscaloosa County EMA
2023
- Rookie of the YearDanielle Chasse, Calhoun County
- Preparedness Program of the Year (Medium)Russell County EMA, for Life Saving Tools
- President’s AwardJim Coker, Jefferson County
2022
- Career AwardAnita McBurnett, Marshall County
- Response Program of the Year (Large)Tuscaloosa County EMA, for COVID response
- President’s AwardDeborah Gaither, Gadsden/Etowah County
AAEM Scholarship
AAEM provides a scholarship program for those with the desire, determination, and spirit to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in emergency management or a closely related field. Scholarships are awarded to eligible applicants each year at the AAEM Annual Conference.
Guidelines
- Non-members must be recommended by a member of the Alabama Association of Emergency Managers (AAEM). Members of the association may also apply directly.
- Applicants must be a resident of the State of Alabama for at least one calendar year with an Alabama driver’s license. A copy of the driver’s license must be included with the AAEM Scholarship Approved Application Form.
- A minimum of the AAEM Basic Level Certification (BLEM) is required to apply.
- The entire application must be submitted to the Board of Directors at least 90 days prior to the Annual Conference. Applications must be submitted through the Area Director of the area in which the applicant lives.
- The applicant must receive a majority vote from the Committee of Past Presidents and an approval from the Board of Directors.
- Awardees must prove academic eligibility for each semester award.
- Include a personal 500–700 word document that describes your desire, intent, future plans, past accomplishments, community service, and any other justifications for award of the scholarship.
What’s Considered
A committee of Past Presidents determines each applicant’s qualifications, including whether the chosen curriculum is related to emergency management. All facets of each application are considered, including but not limited to: