Congratulating Mike Oltman on His Retirement with the Woodford County Emergency Management Agency

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Mike Oltman for more than 40 years of public service with the Woodford County Emergency Management Agency. Throughout his career, Mike has demonstrated unwavering commitment, technical expertise, and a deep devotion to protecting and serving his community.

Mr. Oltman began his service as a senior at Roanoke Benson High School when the agency was known as the Emergency Services and Disaster Agency. Throughout his career, he has held key roles in emergency preparedness and response, including serving as Deputy Director, chief storm spotter, and a member of the damage assessment team. In these pivotal positions, he worked closely with the IEMA and FEMA to map disaster areas and support response operations that benefited the county, first responders, and residents.

His extensive experience in emergency operations uniquely equipped him to guide the county through major crises, including his leadership during the activation of the Emergency Operations Center in the COVID pandemic. This expertise made him an essential leader at the county and state levels, where he successfully coordinated emergency procedures and supported critical public safety decisions during one of Woodford County's most challenging periods.

Throughout his service, Mr. Oltman has dedicated himself to strengthening emergency response capabilities and supporting those around him. As a driver and Emergency Medical Responder with the Roanoke ambulance service and as a staff member with the Salvation Army, he has extended his commitment far beyond EMA. His dedication and leadership were further recognized in 2017 when he received the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Illinois Emergency Services Management Association, leaving a lasting impact on the agency and the community he has faithfully served.

Woodford County is fortunate to have a volunteer whose service, professionalism, and passion for public safety have spanned more than four decades. Mike's commitment to his community is truly inspiring, and his retirement marks the conclusion of a remarkable career devoted to serving others. I am honored to recognize him for his extraordinary service and congratulate him on his well-earned retirement. I wish Mike and his loved ones the very best in the years ahead.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source