Polk County Emergency Management team recently received the 2025 Spirit of Leadership Polk Award for their outstanding commitment to public safety and community service from the Leadership Polk Alumni Association.
Established in 2011, the Spirit of Leadership Polk Award honors organizations whose dedication and service significantly enhances the quality of life in Polk County. This year, Polk County Emergency Management was recognized for its exceptional leadership, community collaboration and response efforts throughout the 2024 Hurricane Season.
“When Polk County faced the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, this team worked around the clock before, during and after the storms to ensure that residents received essential updates and relief with precision and speed,” said Leadership Polk Alumni Association Member Chad Barron. “What’s even better is that they didn’t do this alone. Together with the United Way of Central Florida, One More Child and The Freedom Tour, this organization helped streamline the distribution of food, water and vital resources, ensuring support was delivered when it mattered most.”
Polk County Emergency Management Director Paul Womble accepted the Spirit of Leadership Polk Award on behalf of the division…