EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT association OF TEXAS

Passing of IAEM Member Billy Zwerschke

It is with sadness that we inform you that W. R. “Billy” Zwerschke, CEM, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, after a battle with cancer. A Lifetime member of IAEM, Billy was a past IAEM Certification Commissioner and served as IAEM President (2000-2001). "Billy served as an emergency manager and an IAEM leader with a rare dedication,” said IAEM CEO Elizabeth Armstrong, MAM, CAE. "The CEM® Commission named its Bravo Zulu (BZ) Award after him to recognize his singular impact and honorable service. As a friend for more than 25 years, I know Billy embodied all the best qualities of our profession - selflessness, professionalism, dedication."

IAEM-USA President Lanita Lloyd added, "Personally, I feel very fortunate to have met and served with Billy on the Certification Commission. I fondly remember how he loved the Commission work, and that he adored anything with the IAEM logo on it - I believe he would have worn the logo on every piece of his clothing if it was available. Billy was dedicated to the progress of emergency management. His leadership contributions and encouragement to those who knew and worked with him will long be remembered."

Billy was the CEO of BZ & Associates, providing training in WMD, mass casualty recovery, public safety, flood plain NFIP programs, community affairs, and emergency management. He worked as a FEMA hazard mitigation specialist, and he was an observer/controller of WMD and hurricane exercises for the Texas Division of Emergency Management. He earned a master's degree in business administration with a minor in risk management at Madison University. Billy's volunteer experience included service as deputy fire chief, Port Lavaca Volunteer Fire Department (1953-1980). A service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Aug. 23, 2017, at Faith Family Church, 2002 E. Mockingbird, Victoria, Texas.

IAEM staff and leadership are making contributions to the IAEM Scholarship Fund to honor Billy's memory and invite members and friends to do the same atwww.iaem.com/donate.

IAEM members express their sympathy to Billy's family, friend, and colleagues. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Billy’s wife, Sandra Zwerschke at: 502 Arabian Dr, Victoria, TX 77904.