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State Police names St. Clair County resident as 2020 Michigan Professional Emergency Manager of the Year

October 21, 2021

LANSING, MICH. Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division Commander, Capt. Kevin Sweeney is pleased to announce that Mark S. White of St. Clair County is the 2020 Michigan Professional Emergency Manager of the Year. Mr. White received the award today during a virtual ceremony.

The Professional Emergency Manager of the Year Award recognizes an emergency management professional who displays outstanding professional ethics, leadership and innovation, and provides outstanding contributions to the field of emergency management in the state of Michigan.

"Mr. White's dedication to emergency management over the last three decades has helped his community prepare for and respond to disasters, ensuring their health and safety," said Capt. Kevin Sweeney. "His continued efforts to educate others and improve emergency response statewide are more than deserving of this award."

As the Deputy Director for St. Clair County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Mr. White established the emergency management framework during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing all county agencies to coordinate information, PPE allocation, testing and vaccinations. Mr. White has also developed a robust Local Emergency Planning Committee in St. Clair County which has enhanced public and private partnerships, expanding the resources and expertise available in an emergency.  

Mr. White began his career 35 years ago with the Port Huron Fire Department before moving to St. Clair County Emergency Management. He has served as a firefighter, fire chief, hazmat technician, emergency management planner and exercise developer, among other roles. Mr. White has used his extensive knowledge to teach hundreds of hours of emergency management courses and coordinate dozens of full-scale exercises for both public and private partners. He is also a member of multiple committees within the Urban Areas Security Initiative, including those focusing on training, critical infrastructure and hazmat.