The Wareham Local Emergency Management Committee is now officially certified at the state level by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).

The Wareham Police Department received notice of the certification on Feb. 1, and MEMA Regional Coordinator Doug Forbes presented Chief Richard Stanley and other members of the Police Department with plaques in recognition of the accomplishment at Tuesday's Board of Selectmen meeting.

The Local Emergency Management Committee  is made up of all emergency response departments in Wareham, including both fire departments, and all town officials who are responsible for responding to emergency situations, such as storms.

Members of the Local Emergency Planning Committee work together to prepare for and respond to disaster situations.

"Their application and plan were among the best that I have reviewed in 28 years" with MEMA, said Forbes. "Thanks to their efforts, Wareham is now a stronger and safer place in which to live and work."

The certification is good through January, 2018.

Wareham Police lieutenants John Walcek and Kevin Walsh were recognized for their efforts, as was Sergeant Walter Correia.

"The Town of Wareham is now at the highest level of certification for the state," said Stanley.

Massachusetts Maritime Academy interns Sean Medeiros and Justin O'Donnell were also recognized for their contributions.