Riley Costello, Wabasha’s Emergency Management Director and Assistant Public Works Director, won the “Outstanding Performance in Emergency Management” award from the Association of Minnesota Emergency Managers. This was for his work on the recent flood events that took place in Wabasha and for his disaster prevention work for the city.
Kristen Tschida, AMEM President, presented the award, with Marlyn Halvorson, 2nd Vice President stating “During the 2024 flood, Riley with the support of the public works department, took on an extensive cleanup of contaminated flood debris, supported emergency by-pass operations on our sewer system, and disinfected all parks from contaminated waters, “ Marlyn continued on to say, “ He also helped the City capture FEMA funding to undertake several projects to prevent future damage and to build a much stronger and resilient community, like relocating park equipment, adding new lighting to bike paths, and stabilizing the riverbank.”
Tony Johnson Wabasha Public Works Director shared while he has only been the emergency management director since December 2023, he immediately jumped in with both feet. “He is always professional, always informative, energetic, and always accurate. With all his work and help from the State of Minnesota, the City of Wabasha acquired just over a half million dollars from FEMA and the State of Minnesota. For a small-town of 2,500 people, this is a big deal.”
The Outstanding Performance in Emergency Management Award is for outstanding performance by any member in furthering the objectives of emergency management in their jurisdiction or agency, and/or the Association and emergency management in Minnesota.
