Sean Polster

"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it".

~Lou Holtz

First and foremost, thank you to my wife and kids for your endless love and patience over the past three years. I couldn’t have done this journey without you.

I am deeply grateful and humbled to have spent my career in public service, and especially thankful to the Governor Glenn Youngkin for trusting me with the responsibility of leading the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. Carrying that trust on behalf of the Commonwealth and its people has been one of the most meaningful responsibilities of my life.

The true strength of this agency has always been its people, the colleagues I stood beside during some of the most challenging days we’ve faced. Over the past three years we worked through federally declared disasters, tragic events, national security challenges, and severe weather incidents, often during long days and nights, while continuing the essential work that rarely makes headlines. Through it all, this team showed up with professionalism, resilience, and compassion, protecting communities and supporting recovery when it mattered most.

My parents taught me to always leave things better than you found them. I am proud of what we accomplished together and confident that our collective efforts have strengthened the agency and better prepared the Commonwealth for whatever lies ahead.

To the Governor, thank you for the trust and support. And to this incredible team, THANK YOU. Your dedication, service, and friendship meant more to me than you know. I will always be grateful for the privilege of serving alongside you.

This work mattered.

As 2025 comes to a close, I’m proud of the work done by our team at the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

This year tested our readiness and resilience. From severe winter weather and flooding to sustained, day-to-day operational demands. Through it all, VDEM remained committed to 24/7 situational awareness, strong coordination with state, local, tribal, and federal partners, and a focus on preparedness that supports communities before, during, and after incidents.

Equally important were the relationships strengthened this year across agencies, disciplines, and regions and the lessons learned that will continue to shape how we plan, train, and respond moving forward.

Emergency management is a team effort, and 2025 reinforced the value of collaboration, professionalism, and service. Grateful for the people who show up every day to keep Virginia ready.

Honored to represent our amazing team at the Virginia Department of Emergency Management in SWVA this week, marking one year since Hurricane Helene. It was humbling to see the incredible efforts of so many individuals and groups in the recovery process. Hugs, tears, and hope filled the air — SWVA is building back stronger than ever.

September 11, 2001
Today, we remember the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the bravery shown in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
We honor their memory and hold true to the promise…
🇺🇸

BBQ-cuterie board

Today, we should all take a moment to pause and pray for the people of Texas as they face the devastating aftermath of catastrophic flooding. Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones and to the brave first responders working tirelessly to save lives and provide aid.

In times like these, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of standing together as a community and a nation. May those affected find strength, comfort, and support in the days ahead, and may we all extend compassion and assistance in whatever ways we can.

Let us hold Texas in our thoughts and prayers.

Congratulations DC Fire And EMS Lieutenant Mike Cotter on being awarded the IAFC - International Association of Fire Chiefs Company Officer of the Year. An amazing honor for a humble public servant.

https://www.iafc.org/blogs/blog/iafc/2025/06/23/iafc-announces-the-2025-company-officer-of-the-year-award-winner?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLIKW9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHqoj4PaRAwvCMHbNary5mwnps95561IyAnBS_HyIqg8B4ItnAAwUb9jzx6iy_aem_9j0kTRXGP6sK3w6JvaM3RA

Congratulation to our son for being named to the vhsl_official All-Region boys lacrosse second team as an attackman with Fauquier Falcons Lacrosse.

As an Asian-Pacific Islander I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge my amazing Ohana all the way around this month. Auntie Butch (blue shirt) passed earlier this year as did Uncle Wayne (Hawaiian shirt). I remember taking this picture as she told me, “Stop looking at the camera, look at me.”