Delaware County, Indiana

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Delaware County Emergency Management Leaders Achieve Professional Emergency Manager Certification

                                EMA Director John Coutinho, Commissioner Shannon Henry, and Deputy Director Cory Kissick.

Delaware County, Indiana - March 3rd, 2025– Today, the Delaware County Commissioners highlighted the significant achievements of the county EMA staff at their regular meeting. Director John Coutinho and Deputy Director Cory Kissick of the Delaware County, Indiana Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency have completed all requirements to receive Professional Emergency Managers (PEM) certifications through FEMA and the State of Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS).

To become certified, candidates must complete a series of emergency management courses, participate in a discussion-based exercise, and fulfill six of 19 professional contribution options. These contributions range from authoring articles and facilitating after-action reviews to conducting research projects and hazard analyses. Other contributions include exercise participation, training, legislative contact, and involvement in creating emergency management plans or serving on committees.

The National Emergency Management Basic Academy (NEMBA) is a foundational program for emergency management careers. It includes courses such as Foundations of Emergency Management, Science of Disaster, Emergency Operations Planning, Public Information Basics, and Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program Training. NEMBA requires completing prerequisite independent study courses.

John Coutinho, Executive Director of Delaware County Emergency Management, has a long-standing career in public safety. His experience includes roles with Albany Emergency Medical Service, Albany Police Reserves, and the Albany Fire Department, where he achieved the rank of Captain. He is a graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and serves as Deputy Commander of the Delaware County Hazmat Team. Coutinho is also involved in various boards and committees, such as the Emergency Management Advisory Council (EMAC) and Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).

Cory Kissick has served as the Deputy Director for Delaware County Emergency Management since July 2020. With a strong commitment to public safety, he also serves as the Assistant Fire Chief for the Albany Delaware Township Fire Department, proudly continuing a family tradition as a fifth-generation firefighter. Cory plays an active role in emergency response and preparedness as a member of the Delaware County Hazmat Team and contributes to the Delaware County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and the Indiana District 6 Emergency Management and Healthcare Coalitions.

His extensive public safety background includes previous positions as a police officer with the Albany Police Department and a supervisor at Delaware County Emergency Communications (E911). In recognition of his dedication and exemplary service, Cory has received two lifesaving awards and two Emergency Management Bronze Stars. These honors were granted for his leadership as the operations section chief during the March 2023 tornadoes that impacted Delaware and Randolph Counties, as well as for his involvement in the eastern Kentucky Disaster Deployment in September 2022.

“Receiving the Professional Emergency Manager certification is both an honor and a responsibility. It reflects a commitment to excellence in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. This certification not only enhances my ability to serve our communities effectively but also strengthens the overall field of emergency management by ensuring we apply the best practices, collaboration, and leadership needed to navigate crises.” – Director John Coutinho

"It has been an honor to complete my FEMA Basic Academy training and State PEM. This rigorous program has not only broadened my understanding of emergency management but has also strengthened my commitment to our community. I am eager to apply this knowledge to enhance our preparedness and resilience, ensuring the safety and well-being of all our community." - Deputy Director Cory Kissicky Kissick

About Delaware County Emergency Management Agency: The Delaware County Emergency Management Agency is responsible for coordinating and integrating all activities necessary to build, sustain, and improve the county's capability to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from threatened or actual disasters.