News Release
Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Citation honors outstanding public information work in emergency management
TULSA – Chris Killmer, public information officer for Comanche County Emergency Management, was recognized for his dedicated commitment to keeping the public informed with the 2007 Ben Frizzell Memorial Award. The citation was presented Sept. 19 by the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) during an awards banquet for the state’s emergency managers. The award recognizes an individual who provides outstanding service in the area of emergency management public information.
Since taking the post in January, Killmer has managed public information during numerous disasters and emergencies, including an ice storm and three flooding events. He also provided public information assistance at the request of other jurisdictions, including in Anadarko at a peanut factory fire and in Fort Cobb with still more flooding. Through his Situation Updates with each event Killmer has not only kept the public informed but also local and state officials.
In addition to his response and recovery work, Killmer has also delivered important preparedness and mitigation efforts. Recently he developed a video telling the story of emergency management. It’s part of his efforts to educate citizens, civic groups and local school districts on emergency preparedness.
“In his short tenure, Chris has already demonstrated top notch skills in crisis communication while showing a dedication to mitigation and preparedness,” said OEM Director Albert Ashwood. “We commend his efforts as well as the county’s commitment to the need for public information during both disaster and non-disaster times.”
Killmer is a former television news reporter and radio news director. He has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from East Central University.
The Ben Frizzell Memorial Award is presented in honor of the late OEM PIO who served the agency from 1995 to 2000.
###
