Update: CFSI also opened nominations for the Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award. Criteria include: recognition of the Life Safety Initiatives; being an advocate for firefighter health and safety; leadership in promoting and supporting firefighter health and safety initiatives at the local, state or national level; reaching out to other organizations and developing partnerships to further the cause of firefighter health and safety; and engaging government leaders at all levels to establish programs that enhance firefighter safety. Read more.


The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) is now accepting nominations for its Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award. Sponsored jointly by CFSI and Motorola, the award recognizes individual leadership in advancing fire and life safety initiatives.

If you're like me, you didn't know Mason Lankford. CFSI says he was a native of Texas and served in various fire service capacities there, including Tarrant County (TX) Fire Marshal. When Congressman Curt Weldon (PA), founder of the Congressional Fire Service Caucus, sought Congressional support for a fire caucus, Mason recruited the Texas delegation, including then House Speaker Jim Wright, who was a pivotal player in the successful launch of the Fire Caucus in 1987

Criteria for the award include forming positive working relationships with government leaders and promoting fire/emergency service and life safety issues to improve the safety of the fire and emergency services and the public they serve. Previous winners include Steve Edwards, Meri-K Appy, R. David Paulison, Hal Bruno and Garry Briese.

Political involvement at all levels is something that isn't always stressed enough in the fire service, but it's critically important to ensuring the staffing, funding and safety of the fire service. If you know someone who deserves recognition for their efforts in these areas, nominate them today!

The award presentation will take place on April 29th at the 22nd Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, DC. For additional information about the dinner and nomination information for the Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award, visit the CFSI Web site and look under the Awards section. The nomination deadline is March 26, 2010.

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Comment by Shannon Pieper, FireRescue Magazine on January 7, 2010 at 12:32pm
Tiger & Art,
Thanks for your comments. I had the opportunity to attend the CFSI dinner a couple years ago, too, and I was equally wowed by it. Being in a room with so many fire service greats, as well as the politicians who support the fire service, was something I won't forget. And the Mason Lankford Award is a huge honor to anyone who receives it. I know I'll be watching for the results this year...
Comment by Tiger Schmittendorf on January 5, 2010 at 11:15pm
Art/Shannon -

I had the honor of attending the annual CFSI dinner four years straight. The event even turned into a bunk-and-ride opportunity with the DCFD for four years.

It was a tremendous experience to be in a room surrounded by 500 or more fire service leaders. It's where I was introduced to folks likeJohn Jordan and the fire chief of Sarajevo, Bosnia; Sen. Steny Hoyer, Congressman Curt Weldon and even a few Presidents.

If they're looking for folks who have had tremendous impact on the fire service, I can think of a few like Tim Sendelbach and Billy Goldfeder -- true advocates for firefighter safety, training and adequate staffing to do our jobs safely.
Comment by Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich on January 4, 2010 at 9:07pm
Shannon:
A state representative very close to me had the opportunity a few years ago to attend the CFSI awards dinner and it remains a high point in his career.
Back home here, he chairs the Illinois Fire Service Committee. Few state bills get introduced without his sponsorship or co-sponsorship. Beyond that, he is a very close friend.
I have been a subscriber to the CFSI newsletter for several years. I know the importance of the political process to the fire service; locally and nationally.
Mason Lankford was an extraordinary man and one that will be admired and hopefully emulated for years to come.
Art

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