Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) hosted the third credentialing ceremony for the Kentucky Qualification System (KQS) on October 24, 2025, at the State Emergency Operations Center in Frankfort. The event recognized John Hunt and Alex Hyrcza for successfully completing the rigorous training and education requirements needed to earn their KQS credentials.

Both Hunt and Hyrcza are now officially certified to serve on Incident Management Teams (IMTs) as Liaison Officers. IMTs play a critical role in disaster response and large public events by keeping operations organized, communication clear, and safety a top priority. Achieving this credential reflects a high level of dedication and experience, qualities that strengthen Kentucky’s ability to respond to emergencies effectively.

The Kentucky Qualification System is part of the Commonwealth’s implementation of the National Qualification System (NQS). Established in 2023 with the formation of an advisory committee of state and local partners, KQS was created to build and maintain a roster of fully trained and credentialed professionals who can serve on IMTs and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Assistance Teams. These teams are available to assist during major incidents within Kentucky or, when requested, across state lines.

IMTs consist of qualified personnel who manage the operational, logistical, planning, fiscal, and safety aspects of emergency incidents and planned events. A typical team includes an Incident Commander, Command and General Staff such as Operations, Planning, and Finance Section Chiefs as well as Public Information, Safety, and Liaison Officers.

“The strategic goal of KQS is to establish and maintain credentialed personnel for IMTs and EOC Assistance Teams that can assist within the Commonwealth or outside the state in response to disasters, incidents, and planned events,” said Dr. Charlie Harris, KQS Program Manager. “John and Alex are the first two Liaison Officers to be credentialed in KQS.”

John Hunt, pictured above receiving his credentialing from KYEM Director Eric Gibson, has served with the Kentucky Department for Public Health for 13 years and has responded to numerous disasters, including the Western Kentucky Tornado in 2021 and the Eastern Kentucky Floods in 2022.

Alex Hyrcza, Area 6 Emergency Manager for KYEM, has more than 20 years of experience teaching Basic Search and Rescue and Search Management courses across Kentucky.

Eric Gibson, Director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, presented each recipient with a framed certificate of accreditation and two official KQS uniform patches. Certification packets are reviewed by a Qualification Review Board made up of first responders, emergency management personnel, law enforcement, and other emergency response professionals.

Congratulations to John Hunt and Alex Hyrcza on this outstanding professional achievement. Their dedication and expertise enhance Kentucky’s statewide emergency response readiness and serve as an inspiration to their peers.
Members from the following agencies were present for the ceremony: 

• Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection
• Kentucky Department for Public Health
• Kentucky Emergency Management
• Kentucky State Police
• Kentucky’s Urban Search and Rescue

Are you interested in learning more about the KQS process or pursuing credentialing opportunities? Contact Dr. Charlie Harris, KQS Program Manager, at (502) 607-5707 or charlie.harris@ky-em.org 

Additional information about KQS is available online at: https://www.kyem.ky.gov/emergency-management-professionals/kentucky-qualification-system 

More photos from the ceremony are available in the online gallery: TBD

Original blog post and downloadable PDF available at: TBD