New Director Appointed For Fema Region VI
Release Date: January 11, 2006
Release Number: HQ-06-009
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- William E. Peterson has been appointed director for the Region VI office of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Acting FEMA Director David Paulison announced today. FEMA's Region VI is headquartered in Denton, Texas, and oversees agency operations in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
Peterson’s experience in emergency management and as a fire chief will make him a highly effective Region VI director," said Paulison. "His first hand knowledge and experience will be vital as FEMA works with its regional partners on all aspects of emergency management."
Most recently, Peterson served as the Fire Chief and Homeland Security Director/Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Plano, Texas, where he developed a progressive fire service organization to deliver wide-ranging fire protection and emergency medical services to a rapidly growing metropolitan area. Mr. Peterson was also responsible for the oversight and management of Homeland Security-Emergency Management program for the community.
Prior to his service with the City of Plano, Mr. Peterson served as the Fire Chief of the City of Waukegan, Illinois, where he managed fire department policies, programs and operations for the regional industrial center. Mr. Peterson is a Certified Emergency Manager and has published several articles on fire safety and emergency management services.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 31-Jan-2006 13:27:39