Homer Volunteer Fire Department Chief Robert L. Painter was approved by the Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) Commission during the May 2015 review meeting to receive the Certified Emergency Manager credential. The CEM designation is the highest honor of professional achievement available from the International Association of Emergency Managers, CEM said in a press release. 

The association has more than 9,000 emergency managers representing professionals whose goals are saving lives and protecting property and the environment during emergencies and disasters. Painter joins other emergency managers who were approved for the designation since January 1993, bringing the total number of Certified Emergency Managers to 2,346.