The Pennyrile Area Development District (PeADD) has been recognized with one of the top honors in emergency services across Kentucky.
On September 4, during the Kentucky Emergency Services Conference in Louisville, PeADD received the Kentucky Emergency Management Association (KEMA) Catalyst Award, a distinction that highlights innovation and leadership in strengthening disaster preparedness.
The award acknowledges PeADD’s role in advancing emergency management across its nine-county region. With support from a grant through the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the organization has taken significant steps to modernize and improve local emergency response.
One of the key projects funded by the grant was the purchase of state-of-the-art drones for each county emergency manager in the Pennyrile region. These drones are designed to be used in both natural and man-made disasters, offering first responders faster, safer, and more effective ways to assess damage, locate hazards, and direct resources where they are most needed.
In addition, PeADD created a new Disaster Resilience Coordinator position. This role focuses on strengthening communication and coordination between county officials, local emergency managers, and state agencies—helping ensure that resources are shared efficiently and that disaster responses are better organized across jurisdictional lines.
Jason Vincent, Executive Director of PeADD, said the recognition reflects the partnerships built between the district and its many emergency management collaborators. He emphasized that the mission has always been about using collaboration and innovation to strengthen communities and prepare them for the challenges of the future.
For more information about PeADD and its disaster resiliency programs, visit www.peadd.org.
