Doña Ana County, NM - On Wednesday, Nov. 15, Doña Ana County Emergency Manager, Stephen Lopez, received the 2023 Advancement & Promotion of Emergency Management award from the New Mexico Association of Emergency Management Professionals (NMAEMP).
The Advancement & Promotion of Emergency Management Award recognizes visionary leaders and contributors in the field of Emergency Management who have driven progress and innovation, either with Office of Emergency Management/Office of Emergency Services or through invaluable support from outside the field. These individuals demonstrate exceptional dedication and efforts that significantly advance and promote emergency management programs, making a lasting impact on their organization and the broader community.
Lopez became the interim Doña Ana County Emergency Manager in January of 2021, before being named the permanent manager in August of 2021. Lopez coordinated the County's COVID-19 pandemic response, helping to plan and staff vaccine events, manage supply of necessary materials, distribution and storage of personal protective equipment (PPE). He continued to offer daily statistical information on the virus in Doña Ana County and could be called upon at anytime for trend reports and nationwide updates.
"We congratulate Stephen on this well-deserved honor," County Manager Fernando Macias said. He offers the County and the community as a whole the most professional of services through his strategic leadership and commitment to public safety. We not only benefit from his expertise in emergency management operations, but also from his long career in law enforcement, including as the Chief of Police at New Mexico State University."
Lopez' staff gushed with pride as they shared, "We are so very proud of Stephen, and we are proud to be a part of his team. The Doña Ana County Office of Emergency Management has grown immensely because of his vision and dedication to enhancing the way local emergency response agencies in our area work together."
Congratulations to Stephen Lopez and his staff for this award. Thank you for your work to keep Doña Ana County residents safe and best prepared for emergencies.
