The Emergency Manager for the City of Joplin and Jasper County announced his retirement on Tuesday. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

After serving 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.

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.

Stammer said in a press release, “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.” The City of Joplin and Jasper county will hold a retirement party for Stammer in mid-November.