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2002
Award Recipient: Mr. Daniel J. Cicirello
This award was
created in honor Mr. J.E. Maher, one of the original founding directors
of CUSEC. During his 20 years as Director of Emergency Management
in Mississippi, he had seen the face of emergency management evolve
from the civil defense programs that tended to be restrictive in the
planning process, to the comprehensive emergency management system
that we have today.
The creation of CUSEC was in direct response to the need for a
collaborative effort to address a hazard that would go beyond the
boundaries of any one state. The uniqueness of the seismic
hazard and the complexity of addressing it could only be accomplished
if a clear mission was established and goals set. Mr. Maher,
as one of the founding members as well as the longest sitting board
member, helped to assure that CUSEC's mission remained true. Mr.
Maher became the senior board member and found himself serving
as mentor and historian, ensuring that the intent of the original
seven state directors remained the focus as new directors were
appointed to the board. His leadership and dedication to
addressing the needs of not only the citizens of Mississippi, but
those of the central United States, through the establishment of
CUSEC, was the reason behind the creation of this award.
This award is given annually to a person, organization, or agency
that has contributed significantly to addressing the seismic hazard
in the central United States through their achievements, leadership,
and dedication. Special emphasis is placed on those who have
demonstrated these qualities as part of a collaborative effort
in addressing the hazard. This year's award is presented
to Mr. Daniel J. Cicirello, also known by his friends as the "Man
in Black". The awards ceremony was held at the 20
year anniversary CUSEC Annual meeting in June of 2003 at the Sheraton
Hotel in Nashville, TN. Mr. Cicirello is the Earthquake Program
Manager for the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management. For
more information about Dan's program, click
here. |
From
all accounts Dan has served in the capacity of earthquake program
manager longer than any other program manager in the country. Dan's
long standing position as program manager has served CUSEC, the
CUSEC states, and most importantly, the citizens of the state of
Arkansas, well. Dan's understanding of the evolution of the
program and his involvement from the earliest years has made him
one of our most valued resources.
Anyone who knows Dan for more than a minute will quickly understand
his passion for the program. Early on Dan set a high goal for
himself and his program to reduce the level of risk to the children
and the schools they attend. Finding additional motivation
from the fact he had a child entering school, Dan has remained
focused even years after his daughter finished school. Dan's
commitment is unmatched, his ability to reach out and find new
and innovative ways to bring resources to bear on the problem despite
the obstacles which lay before him is remarkable. When there
were set backs, Dan was always there making sure at the next available
moment, he would make up for lost ground. His dedication
and never give up attitude makes him the 2002 J.E. Maher Award
of Excellence Recipient. |
