The Peoria City/County Health Department announces Joe Bechtold, Emergency Preparedness Planner, as this year’s recipient of the International Association of Emergency Managers Student of the Year Award. The Association recognizes Mr. Bechtold for having made significant contributions to the field of emergency and disaster management through volunteer work, promotion of the field, and contribution in his community. His expertise in the field of emergency management includes military training and work at the Illinois Air National Guard consisting of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapon planning and response. He also spent a year planning for terrorist events for Chicago’s passenger rail service. Mr. Bechtold is currently seeking a Master of Public Administration degree with high academic achievement.

For more information on important public health issues, visit our website at www.pcchd.org.