NEMA HONORS PASSING OF SENATOR ROBERT C. BYRD

The members of the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) express their deepest condolences to the family, colleagues, and staff of Robert C. Byrd upon his passing this morning.

Jimmy Gianato, Director of the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and NEMA Member personally offered his condolences: "This is a huge loss to the people of West Virginia and our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family during this difficult time. Senator Byrd was a true friend of emergency management throughout the state and nation and will be deeply missed."

First elected to the Senate in 1958, Senator Byrd was a stalwart of the institution, serving two terms as Senate Majority Leader as well as Chairman of the powerful Appropriations Committee until 2008. Byrd exhibited fervent support of emergency management and homeland security issues as Chair of both the full Appropriations Committee and the Homeland Security Subcommittee. NEMA awarded the Senator with the Congressional Recognition Award in 2008 to express appreciation for his constant support of the emergency management community. We applaud his most notable career and acknowledge his contributions to the State of West Virginia, the traditions of the Senate, and to this Nation.