Wayne Kee To Be Honored With Space Coast Public Service Lifetime Achievement Award

By  //  August 25, 2017

NASA Emergency Manager at KSC since 1991

The second annual Space Coast Public Service Awards & Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held Saturday, September 23, inside the Maxwell C. King Center For the Performing Arts. Seating is now available so don’t delay in making your reservations. Call 321-242-2219 or log on to KingCenter.com for tickets.

EDITOR’S NOTE: In every community there are great men and women who have, by their strength of will and character, become ingrained in the consciousness of our society. They are doers who have made a stand and a commitment for the common good. They are labeled as public servants, but they are truly our natural leaders whose legacies are the milestones of our progress.

Space Coast Daily is honored to highlight the 2017 Space Coast Public Service Awards honorees, starting with the Lifetime Achievement category.

Below, we present Wayne M. Kee, whose public service career spans more than 50 years and includes service to his country in the U.S. Air Force and 26 years of service to the Kennedy Space Center community, and the people of Brevard County.

The second annual Space Coast Public Service Awards & Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held Saturday, September 23, inside the Maxwell C. King Center For the Performing Arts. Seating is now available so don’t delay in making your reservations.

Call 321-242-2219 or log on to KingCenter.com for tickets.

Wayne M. Kee’s public service career spans more than 50 years and includes service to his country in the U.S. Air Force and 26 years of service to the Kennedy Space Center community, and the people of Brevard County.

Dedicated More Than 50 Years To Public Service

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Wayne M. Kee’s public service career spans more than 50 years and includes service to his country in the U.S. Air Force and 26 years of service to the Kennedy Space Center community, and the people of Brevard County.

Kee started his career in government service in 1966, by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force where he served his country for 24 years as a Fire Protection Specialist, Assistant Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Chief.

While in the Air Force, he was a member of the elite Airborne Firefighter Rescue Team, HH-43B Helicopter unit, and was also Instructor Superintendent at the Air Force Fire School.

Kee was Incident Commander at numerous emergencies and disasters ranging from aircraft crashes, facility fires and explosions and the enemy during wartime while serving in Vietnam.

In 1990, Kee transitioned from a highly decorated military service career where he received five Meritorious Service Medals, four Commendation Medals, three Outstanding Unit Awards, an Air Force Achievement Award, the Vietnam Service Medal and numerous campaign and theater awards.

He has been the NASA Emergency Manager at the John F. Kennedy Space Center since 1991 and was Incident Commander and Lead Federal Authority for hurricanes Wilma, Katrina, Floyd, Frances, Jeanne and Matthew.

James Neviaser To Be Honored With Space Coast Public Service Lifetime Achievement AwardRelated Story:
James Neviaser To Be Honored With Space Coast Public Service Lifetime Achievement Award

Kee coordinated relief efforts for the Hurricane Katrina disaster from KSC for NASA Centers and families in Mississippi and Louisiana, and functioned as the Senior Member onboard relief and supply flights to Mississippi.

He has been the ride out team leader for more than 10 storms impacting the Space Coast over the last 26 years. Working closely with the Brevard County Emergency Operations Center, Kee has jointly developed exercises and shared training programs which have enhanced safety programs.

Kee is the recipient of the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal for exemplary leadership in planning, and execution of hurricane preparation measures, which resulted in the safety of critical national assets.

The 45th Space Wing‏ thanks retired Chief Wayne Kee, far right, on making their team feel at home.

Additionally, following Hurricane Matthew, he received the NASA Outstanding Leadership Award for exceptional efforts in leading the KSC ride out team as Incident Commander during the storm.

When Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart over Texas and Louisiana, Kee was on the first flight out as a member of the NASA Rapid Response Team. He was the Emergency Manager representing NASA for the recovery of debris and human remains of the crew while temporarily assigned to the Incident Command Center at Barksdale Air Force Base.

Kee spent several weeks in Louisiana assisting in the coordination and support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Transportation and Safety Board, and local law enforcement providing recovery efforts for Space Shuttle Columbia and her crew.

During his more than 50 years’ service, Kee has developed programs, policies, requirements and emergency response measures necessary to protect citizens during natural and manmade disasters. He has completely and thoroughly dedicated his life to public service.

Seating for the 2017 Space Coast Public Service Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, is now available so don’t delay in making your reservations. Call 321-242-2219 or log on to KingCenter.com for tickets.

CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS