Chesco's Kagel wins state award for emergency management

WEST CHESTER Chester County's deputy director for emergency management has been recognized for his performance with a statewide award, county officials announced last week.

Robert Kagel won the Harry Robidoux Memorial Award for Excellence in Emergency Management, which is given to a county emergency management official whose peers commend his or her service.

The Keystone Emergency Management Association presented Kagel with the award at this year's state Emergency Management Conference.

"Our county commissioners prioritize public safety, and we are honored that one of our own has been recognized as being one of the premier leaders in emergency management within the state of Pennsylvania," John Haynes, Chester County's interim director of emergency services, said in a statement.

Kagel became deputy director in September 2010.

Chester County announced in May that it had become the first in Pennsylvania to earn full accreditation from the national Emergency Management Accreditation Program Commission for its ability to respond to disasters. County officials said Kagel was a major part of the county's receiving that recognition. - Michaelle Bond