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Awards recognize outstanding leadership, service, and contributions to emergency management across military and civilian organizations

October 19, 2026 — The International Association of Emergency Managers USA Council (IAEM-USA) has announced the recipients of its 2026 Uniformed Services Awards, recognizing three individuals for exceptional leadership, dedication, and contributions to emergency preparedness, response, and interagency collaboration. The recipients will be honored during the IAEM Annual Conference & EMEX Awards Banquet on Nov. 11 in Long Beach, California.

IAEM-USA Uniformed Services Auxiliary Emergency Manager of the Year: Maj. John A. Bryant

Maj. John A. Bryant serves as director of emergency services for the Arizona Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, overseeing search-and-rescue, disaster relief and homeland security missions. A 10-year Civil Air Patrol volunteer, Bryant has coordinated extensive emergency operations across Arizona and California, including responses to major wildfires, flooding and missing-person incidents. His leadership in deploying aircraft and ground teams for disaster assessments, search-and-rescue operations and joint military training exercises has strengthened emergency response capabilities and partnerships among local, state and federal agencies.

IAEM-USA Uniformed Services Civilian Emergency Manager of the Year: Dean A. Richardson

Dean A. Richardson, a retired lieutenant colonel, serves as the regional operations director for the Civil Air Patrol-U.S. Air Force Pacific Liaison Region, overseeing federal program management and operational coordination across California, Oregon, and Washington. With more than three decades of aviation leadership and emergency response experience, Richardson has played a significant role in strengthening cooperation between military and civilian emergency management organizations. His expertise in aviation operations, safety, and interagency coordination helps ensure effective airborne support during complex regional emergencies.

IAEM-USA Uniformed Services Uniformed Emergency Manager of the Year: Lt. Cmdr. Ramon Gil Dominguez

Lt. Cmdr. Ramon Gil Dominguez serves as executive assistant to the director of law enforcement, maritime security, and defense operations at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, supporting policy development for critical Coast Guard missions. His distinguished career includes leading maritime search-and-rescue operations, coordinating emergency preparedness exercises, and supporting national security operations. Previously assigned to Coast Guard Sector New Orleans, he helped coordinate emergency management and force readiness activities in one of the nation’s most complex port regions. His leadership and commitment to operational excellence have strengthened maritime emergency preparedness and interagency response capabilities.

IAEM-USA congratulates all three recipients for their outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to advancing the emergency management profession and protecting communities nationwide. Additional information about the award recipients and their accomplishments will be featured in a special publication available on the IAEM website, www.iaem.org, in early November.

For an official copy of this press release, please contact Dawn Shiley, CAE.

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