February 26, 2026
State Emergency Operations Center, Frankfort, KY

Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) hosted its fifth credentialing ceremony for the Kentucky Qualification System (KQS) on February 26, 2026, at the State Emergency Operations Center in Frankfort. The event recognized Mr. Casey Archey for successfully completing the rigorous training and education requirements needed to earn his KQS credentials.

“The strategic goal of KQS is to establish and maintain credentialed personnel for deployment on 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, pictured above, the KQS Program Manager. 

Mr. Archey is now officially certified to serve on Incident Management Teams (IMTs) as a Planning Section Chief. 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 effectively respond to emergencies.

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.

Casey Archey, pictured, is the Deputy Director of Boone County (KY) EMA. He has served in numerous disaster responses, such as Hurricane Helene in 2024 and the disaster response in Kentucky during February 2025, due to severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding.

Eric Gibson, Director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, presented Mr. Archey with a framed certificate of accreditation, a credentialing letter, KQS lanyard, and two official KQS uniform patches to be worn on deployments. Credentialing packets are reviewed by a Qualification Review Board made up of first responders, emergency management personnel, law enforcement, and other emergency response professionals.

Congratulations are in order for Casey Archey for his outstanding professional achievement! His dedication and expertise enhance Kentucky’s statewide emergency response readiness and serve as an inspiration to his peers.

Members from the following agencies were present for the ceremony: 
• Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet
• Kentucky Department for Agriculture 
• Kentucky Emergency Management
• Kentucky National Guard 
• Kentucky Urban Search and Rescue
• Hopkins County Emergency Management 

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://tinyurl.com/KY-Qualification-System

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