COLORADO — Each year the Colorado Emergency Management Association (CEMA) recognizes the dedicated work of emergency managers and emergency management partners during an annual dinner and awards event. The CEMA recognizes several individuals across each of the nine regions in the state with nine Regional Emergency Managers of the Year Awards, a Statewide Emergency Manager of the Year Award and several volunteer and community service awards. Each award nominee must receive letters of support, photographs performing their activities and a list of accomplishments with a biography. 

The San Luis Valley (SLV) All-Hazards Region was well represented at the annual recognition event with four statewide awards and one regional award. From the 10 award categories the SLV Region came home with five of the prestigious awards. Those awards are: 

• Sandra Ortega, Volunteer with Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office, Catholic Churches, Adams State University: Statewide Volunteer of the Year Award
• Jason Medina, Community Fund San Luis Valley Executive Director: Statewide Community Service Award
• Christopher Rodriguez, Deputy Administrator and Costilla County Emergency Manager: Statewide Mentorship Award
• Lucas Casias, Costilla County Director of Emergency Management: Statewide Rookie Emergency Manager of the Year Award
• Eric Treinen, Alamosa County Emergency Manager: SLV All-Hazards Regional Emergency Manager of the Year Award

These five individuals represent a proud San Luis Valley that is committed to professionals trying to make our world a better place.