MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. — The Mobile County Emergency Management Agency (MCEMA) has achieved national accreditation from the Emergency Management Accreditation Program, making it the only county emergency management program in Alabama to hold this distinction. It is one of only nine entities nationwide to earn accreditation in 2025.

The achievement confirms that Mobile County EMA meets the highest national standards for emergency preparedness, coordination, and community protection, as certified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). EMAP is the nation’s only accreditation process for emergency management programs and is considered the gold standard for readiness and resilience.

“I’m incredibly proud of the EMA team for earning this mark of distinction. Accreditation validates the professionalism, preparedness, and teamwork that define our agency,” said MCEMA Director Michael Evans. “It reflects the strength of our plans, the consistency of our practice, and the collaboration that keeps Mobile County ready to respond.”

MCEMA serves as the County’s coordinating agency before, during, and after emergencies, working with local governments, first responders, hospitals, utilities, industry, and volunteer organizations to protect life and property. MCEMA leads countywide planning, communication, and disaster response. It also activates and manages the County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) when incidents occur.

MCEMA joins the State of Alabama and the University of Alabama as only the third entity within the state to become accredited by EMAP.

To earn EMAP accreditation, Mobile County EMA completed a multi-year process that included self-assessment, documentation, and peer review across 17 key areas—planning, resource management, communications, training, and administration. Accreditation is valid for five years and requires continued compliance to maintain the designation.

“On its own initiative, MCEMA pursued accreditation, a process that determines the degree to which an agency utilizes best practices in the delivery of services.  Doing so speaks volumes about its leadership and dedication to public service,” said Mobile County Commission President Merceria Ludgood. “Earning the only county EMAP accreditation in Alabama is a remarkable achievement that reflects the structure, skill, and coordination of a team committed to the highest standards of preparedness, professionalism, and to protecting the people of Mobile County in times of crisis,” she added.  

“As a coastal community, we know how quickly emergencies and natural disasters can impact our homes, our businesses, and our daily lives. Having an emergency management agency that meets the highest national standards gives all Mobilians confidence that our community and our local governments are ready to respond when it matters most. I want to congratulate the MCEMA leadership and staff on this accomplishment and commend them for their commitment to the safety and stability of all Mobile County residents,” said Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson.

“This accreditation shows that Mobile County’s emergency management system meets the highest national standards for planning, training, and coordination. It gives responders and residents alike confidence that when emergencies strike, we’re prepared and united in our response,” said Shayne Lovitte, Chief of Administration for the Saraland Fire Rescue Department and Chair of the Mobile County EMA Authority Board.

The Mobile County Commission will formally recognize this achievement with a resolution in recognition of distinguished achievement at its Oct. 14 meeting.

MCEMA was established by the Mobile County Commission in 1984 as the emergency planning district for Mobile County and its 11 municipalities. MCEMA evolved from the original Civil Defense program created in 1952. To learn more about the Mobile County Emergency Management Agency, go to www.mobilecountyema.gov.

For more information about EMAP and the full list of accredited programs, visit www.emap.org.