We see you.
The EMAI Awards Program is meant to recognize and honor people and organizations that have made significant contributions to the field of emergency management and have represented the profession well by their outstanding performance and dedication.
We appreciate you.
Each year EMAI asks for nominations for awards presented during the annual conference. If you would like to nominate a person or agency for an award, please complete the below form.
we honor you.
President’s Award
This award is presented to individuals or agencies who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, extraordinary response in times of crisis, or unwavering dedication to serving others. Recipients of the President’s Award embody a spirit of compassion, resilience, and commitment that goes far beyond the call of duty.
This award is chosen by the current EMAI Board President.
charles “C.r.” brown Award
The C.R. Brown Award is named in honor of Charles R. “CR” Brown, who served as the Executive Director of the Madison County Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency for more than 40 years. A Certified Emergency Manager, CR dedicated his life to protecting his community, advancing emergency management in Indiana, and mentoring future leaders in the field. He was deeply involved in both local and state programs and served as an instructor for many Indiana Department of Homeland Security courses. His career reflects a legacy of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to public safety.
This award honors individuals who embody those same values—demonstrating enduring dedication, leadership, and excellence in the field of emergency management. Recipients of this award have shown a lifelong commitment to protecting lives, strengthening community resilience, and advancing the principles of protection, preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.
Like CR, these professionals go beyond technical expertise. They are collaborators, mentors, and innovators—leaders who ensure their work leaves a lasting impact on the safety and strength of the communities they serve. The C.R. Brown Award stands as a tribute to his legacy and a recognition of those who carry it forward.
Any emergency management professional who exemplifies the characteristics of CR Brown may be nominated for this award.
response operations Award
This award recognizes individuals and agencies within Fire Services, Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management, and Law Enforcement who have demonstrated strong leadership and implemented emergency management skills and processes in the face of major incidents which have had a large impact at the local level. Whether responding to natural or human-caused disasters, life-threatening emergencies, or complex public safety challenges, these honorees have performed exceedingly well in managing the incident- acting with exceptional professionalism, compassion, and resolve in coordinating a multi-agency response or recovery effort.
Their actions exemplify the highest standards of emergency management principles and reflect an unwavering commitment to protecting lives, property, and community well-being. The Response Operations Award celebrates those who rise to meet the moment when it matters most.
Historically, nominations for this award have been local emergency management staff, but may also include other local, state, or federal partners.
incident recovery Award
This award honors individuals or agencies who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience, and coordination in the aftermath of major incidents which have impacted local communities. Whether recovering from natural or human-caused disasters, large-scale emergencies, or community-wide disruptions, these recipients have played a vital role in recovery efforts, rebuilding infrastructure, and supporting local units of government, and, most importantly, supporting residents and businesses impacted by the disaster.
Their efforts reflect a deep commitment to community resiliency including mobilizing resources, guiding recovery operations, and fostering collaboration across all public safety disciplines. The Incident Recovery Award celebrates those who not only respond but rebuild, ensuring that communities emerge stronger, safer, and more resilient.
Historically, nominations for this award have been local emergency management staff, but may also include other local, state, or federal partners.
IDHS Liaison Award
This award is for special recognition of any IDHS staff member for their service, support, and commitment to Emergency Management staff and programs at the local level. Nominations for this award should come from local emergency management agencies.