ICMA's Assistant Excellence in Leadership Award, which commemorates former ICMA President Buford M. Watson, Jr., is presented to a local government management professional who has made significant contributions toward excellence in leadership while serving as an assistant to a chief local government administrator or department head. In 2002, ICMA presented one of two of the awards to Dee F. Bruemmer, assistant city administrator of Davenport, Iowa. To demonstrate Ms. Bruemmer's leadership, this article highlights how she managed the city's emergency plan and response to a major flood threatening the community in 2001. Learn more about ICMA's Annual Awards program.