McKINNEY, TEXAS – At around 10:30 p.m. on May 9, 2006, an F3 tornado swept through Westminster, leveling and damaging many homes, and killing 3. Coordination of the response and recovery were overseen by Emergency Management and public safety personnel from across Collin County, including Collin County Department of Homeland Security, Collin County Sheriff’s Office, and McKinney Fire Department and Office of Emergency Management.
Emergency Managers are tasked with protecting their communities by coordinating and integrating all activities to build, sustain, and improve the capability to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from threatened or actual natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other man-made disasters. McKinney is recognized as a leader in the State of Texas in the field of Emergency Management, due in large part to the leadership of Emergency Management Coordinator Karen Adkins.
With a B.S. Degree in Emergency Management from the University of North Texas, Adkins was recently recognized for her leadership and influence on emergency management capabilities in Texas. Nominated by peers from across the State, Adkins was presented with the Emergency Management Association of Texas (EMAT) Distinguished Service Award at the EMAT Annual Conference held recently in San Marcos.
According to McKinney Fire Chief Danny Kistner, “The Distinguished Service Award is the highest award EMAT gives to honor emergency management professionals who, through their long-term efforts, have clearly influenced the field in a positive manner. Recipients are considered the top in their field and provide leadership that inspires and promotes excellence. The City of McKinney is excited that Karen has been recognized by her peers and thanks her for her continued efforts on behalf of not only our citizens; but, the entire state of Texas.”