Two members of the Will County Emergency Management Agency have earned the designation of certified emergency manager from the International Association of Emergency Managers.

Tom Murray, who serves as chief deputy director, and Allison Anderson, who is the deputy director of the agency, both received the designation earlier this year, according to a news release.

Will County EMA director Harold Damron said in the release that the certification process is long and requires a comprehensive evaluation of several areas.

“Tom and Allison were evaluated on their education and training as well as their experience and contributions to the emergency management profession,” Damron, who also is a certified emergency manager, said in the release. “Both are highly professional and dedicated members of our agency.”

To obtain the certification, Murray and Anderson had to submit an application that included examples of their success in emergency management and complete a 100-question exam. The IAEM is the only organization that offers a certification for emergency managers.

A CEM must continue to advance in their profession and apply for recertification every five years, according to the news release.

“I am very proud of Tom and Allison for earning this certification,” Will County Executive Denise Winfrey said in the release. “Director Harold Damron and all of our EMA staff do an excellent job protecting the residents of Will County. I am proud they continue to improve their skills to be ready for any emergency.”