Okmulgee County officials received statewide recognition this week during the Oklahoma Emergency Management Association (OEMA) Conference Awards Luncheon in Oklahoma City, where the Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners was presented the organization’s Public Officials Award.

The honor was awarded to Okmulgee County Commissioners Michael Wallace, Ernie Ferreira and Steve Ward Sr., recognizing their continued support of emergency management initiatives, disaster preparedness efforts and coordination with first responders throughout the county.

The OEMA Public Officials Award highlights elected leaders who demonstrate a strong commitment to strengthening local emergency management capabilities. For Okmulgee County, the recognition reflects years of collaboration between county government and emergency management personnel to enhance response readiness, infrastructure planning and public safety coordination during severe weather and other emergencies.

County Emergency Management Director Jeffrey Moore also received recognition during the conference, as he was elected by association members to serve as an OEMA Area Representative for Northeast Oklahoma. Moore was among several officers selected during the organization’s business meeting, joining newly elected President Brian McDaniel of Murray County, Secretary Danielle O’Neal of Yukon and Southwest Area Representative Elizabeth Woods.

Moore’s election to the regional leadership role places Okmulgee County in a prominent position within statewide emergency management efforts. As area representative, he will serve as a liaison between local emergency managers and the association, helping coordinate information sharing, training opportunities and regional preparedness initiatives.

The dual recognition underscores Okmulgee County’s active role in emergency preparedness across Oklahoma. County officials have consistently emphasized the importance of planning, interagency cooperation and community awareness – priorities that have become increasingly vital amid severe weather threats and evolving public safety challenges.

Conference organizers congratulated all award recipients and newly elected officers during the luncheon, noting the collective impact of emergency management professionals and public officials who work to protect communities across the state.

For Okmulgee County, the moment served as both recognition and motivation, highlighting the partnership between county leadership and emergency management personnel dedicated to keeping residents safe and informed.