(Joplin, MO) – After serving the City of Joplin for more than 17 years, Emergency Manager for Joplin and Jasper County Keith Stammer has announced he will retire on November 1 this year. Stammer began his career with the City in 2005 and provided steady leadership throughout several federal disasters in Joplin and Jasper County, including ice storms, flooding, and the EF-5 tornado in May 2011.
“As Emergency Manager, Keith had the significant responsibility to make sure our community is prepared for a disaster,” said City Manager Nick Edwards. “I think everyone will remember Keith’s leadership through the tornado response and recovery. The word ‘dedication’ gets thrown around a lot but I can truly say that Keith is dedicated to the community as evident through his career. He worked to make sure we had a plan for almost everything we never wanted to have happen. Keith was a leader for us not only in developing plans and responses but also coordinating volunteers and serving the region. His expertise and experience will be missed.”
Emergency management work focuses on planning and preparing for and responding to disasters impacting communities. Stammer was instrumental in conducting drills and disaster simulation exercises for City and County personnel, departments, organizations, and government agencies that assist in disaster management, emphasizing their roles and responsibilities in disaster planning, response, and recovery.
With the position serving both the City of Joplin and Jasper County, City officials will work with the Jasper County Commission to coordinate hiring the next Emergency Manager.
“Honestly, this has been a dream job for me,” said Stammer. “I could not ask for better cooperation and support from everyone over the years. Considering all the training, exercises, and actual events we have been through in 17 years, I feel I can say to all who participated, ‘Job well done!’”
In his retirement, Stammer and his wife Kathy will enjoy more family time, traveling, and dancing.
The City and County will host a Retirement Reception on Friday, November 11, and provide an opportunity for those who worked with Stammer to offer their greetings on his retirement. It will be held from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the Joplin Municipal Courtroom, 303 East 3rd Street.
Reference:
Lynn Iliff Onstot, Public Information Officer
City of Joplin
417.624.0820, ext. 204
LOnstot@joplinmo.org
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