RALEIGH – Three veteran employees of the N.C. Division of Emergency Management were honored on June 14th with the Secretary's Gold Circle Award from Secretary Bryan Beatty.  The award is given by the secretary of the N.C. Department of Crime Control & Public Safety for service that goes beyond what is expected of the person in the job.

“Everyone in Emergency Management does an outstanding job working for the safety of the people of North Carolina, but these three employees deserve special recognition,” Beatty said.

The employees were nominated by the Emergency Management leadership team of Director Doug Hoell, Deputy Director Mike Sprayberry, and Assistant Director Gary Faltinowski.  The employees, their job titles and an explanation of the reason for the award are listed below.

Clay Benton

Manager, Communications Section

In recognition of your leadership as Communications Center Manager including daily oversight of the Emergency Alert System, dispatches of the Hazardous Materials Regional Response Teams, operation of secure voice and data systems for the Department of Homeland Security, and your overall dedication to successful operations in the Division of Emergency Management.

Emily Young

Manager, Individual Assistance Program

In recognition of your commitment and dedication as Manager of the Individual Assistance Program in North Carolina.  Your concern and compassion for helping disaster victims is a model for others to follow.

Jeff Cardwell

Area 13 Coordinator (Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland and Watauga counties)

In recognition of your enthusiasm and devotion to the safety of North Carolina residents as an Area Coordinator, Battalion Chief, Incident Command System expert and leader of the state's Urban Search and Rescue and Swift Water Rescue programs.