WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman was recognized Wednesday for his support of emergency management efforts and the homeland security community. Director of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) and state Homeland Security Advisor, A.J. Gary, presented Boozman with the National Emergency Management Association’s 2017 Congressional Award at ADEM headquarters.

 “Senator Boozman is very involved at the local level in Arkansas and continuously reaches out to the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management before, during, and after disasters. His staff regularly participates in meetings of law enforcement, emergency management and local and county government to ensure that Senator Boozman stays connected and ready to assist, Gary said.”

During his visit to ADEM, Boozman met with employees and observed a disaster response exercise related to earthquake response. 

“There is nothing more important than the security of our nation and safety of Arkansas citizens,” Boozman said. “I am grateful for the dedicated professionals who give everything they have to keep us safe. These heroes deserve our support and I am honored to have the opportunity to help make their jobs easier. I appreciate this recognition and will continue to be a champion of these safety officers.”

Boozman currently serves as the chairman of the Homeland Security subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee and has taken an active role in emergency management throughout his time in Congress. He has been recognized previously for his outreach efforts to support law enforcement and first responders, assistance with crime prevention efforts, support for disaster recovery and direct leadership during a crisis, including crisis operations during the first days of Hurricane Katrina recovery when thousands of Gulf residents were sent to Fort Chaffee for temporary shelter.