FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: John Wilson, Lee County Public Safety

(941) 335-1600

COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGER AWARDED FOR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 10, 2000) – David Saniter, the county’s program manager for emergency management, recently received the prestigious state Emergency Management Award for developing a state certification program for emergency managers.

The award was presented to Saniter at the 14^th Annual Governor’s Hurricane Conference in Tampa and recognizes an individual or agency for outstanding progress and accomplishment in the field of hurricane preparedness, planning or research.

Saniter helped develop the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association’s (FEPA) Certification Program. The program confers the designation of Florida Associate Emergency Manager (FAEM) or Florida Professional Emergency Manager (FPEM) based on experience and training criteria, knowledge, skills, and accomplishments in the field of emergency management. The certification is recognized statewide and is supported by FEPA and the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

The certification aims to heighten awareness, enhance professionalism, and build partnerships within Florida’s emergency management profession. The FPEM certification is even listed in some areas as a required position qualification. Currently, more than 55 emergency managers in Florida hold either the FAEM or FPEM certifications.

Saniter worked for more than five years to make this program a reality. He organized the first committee to begin developing the certification and chaired the committee through all stages of the process. He continues to chair the certification committee and has seen the program mirrored throughout the United States.

Lee County Emergency Management is part of the county’s Division of Public Safety and provides preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation services to protect residents from the effects of natural and technological hazards.