SHERIFF NEWS RELEASE – ODP/EM Honored by MEMA for Outstanding Achievement

Paw Paw, MI — The Van Buren County Office of Domestic Preparedness / Emergency Management (ODP/EM) Division has been recognized by the Michigan Emergency Management Association (MEMA) for exceptional performance and dedication in completing eight years’ worth of emergency drills and exercises within a condensed timeframe, all in preparation for the anticipated restart of the Holtec Palisades Nuclear Power Plant.

Since March 2025, the ODP/EM team has worked tirelessly to conduct approximately 30 drills and FEMA-graded exercises over just three and a half months to meet Holtec’s requested completion deadline of July 31, 2025. These efforts demonstrated a remarkable level of coordination, preparedness, and commitment to public safety across Van Buren County.

To achieve this monumental goal, the division expanded its staff with two Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Specialists — Walt Grech (Full-Time) and Michael Greis (Part-Time) joining the existing leadership team of Deputy Raymond Hochsprung (Coordinator) and Deputy Derek Weldon (Assistant Coordinator). Together, they successfully coordinated with numerous local agencies and partners, including Fire Departments, health department officials, Bronson Hospital personnel, school administrators within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone, American Red Cross volunteers, and other key stakeholders such as the Michigan State Police and FEMA. These exercises were executed at multiple locations throughout the county, including the Emergency Operations Center at the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.
The Michigan Emergency Management Association formally recognized the ODP/EM Division’s extraordinary accomplishments during the 2025 MEMA Annual Conference. Deputy Derek Weldon attended the conference earlier this week and accepted the award on behalf of the division. 

Photograph accompanying this release features the current ODP/EM staff with Sheriff Daniel E. Abbott and the award ceremony as presented by MEMA.

About the Michigan Emergency Management Association (MEMA):
MEMA is a statewide organization that promotes effective emergency management and preparedness through training, coordination, and recognition of excellence among Michigan’s emergency management professionals.