It is inevitable. At some point in our paddling careers we will be involved in a rescue. We carry throwbags, scout blind rapids, set up downstream safety, all to prevent the worst from happening. Despite that, we are unable to completely eliminate the hazards on the river. And in fact, that is probably why many of us continue to pursue this sport–for the adventure and the “unknown.” A river without risk, would have no rewards.
If your number was up this past year, and you were involved in or witnessed a great rescue, consider the Higgins & Langley Award. Currently they are seeking nominations for swiftwater rescues done right.
Higgins & Langley Call for Nominations:
The Higgins & Langley Memorial and Education Fund, working in conjunction with the Swiftwater Rescue Committee of the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR), is seeking nominations for the 2011 Higgins & Langley Memorial Awards for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Swiftwater Rescue, the highest international honors presented for flood and swiftwater rescue. In addition to individual achievements and swiftwater-flood rescue team efforts, those who have dedicated years of service to developing and implementing swiftwater-flood rescue training programs, as well as public safety media-education efforts, will be considered for nomination. Nominations for the 2011 flood and swiftwater incident awards may include those between January 1, 2010 and February 1, 2011. The awards honor civilian rescuer, Earl Higgins, who lost his life in February of 1980 while attempting to save a child being swept away in the flood-swollen Los Angeles River, and firefighter/paramedic Jeffrey Langley of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, who lost his life in a helicopter accident in March of 1993. The awards will be presented during the annual conference of the National Association for Search and Rescue on June 2, 2011.
The DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS is February 7, 2011.
All nominations must be received no later than February 7, 2011. Read instructions with care to avoid having nominations disqualified for lack of completion. There are several award categories, not all of which specifically recognize noteworthy technical swiftwater/flood rescues. Some recognize significant achievement in the development of swiftwater/flood rescue training programs, flood disaster preparedness and response, flood and swiftwater safety education programs, etc.
The Higgins & Langley Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Swiftwater Rescue
The Higgins & Langley Memorial Award is the premier internationally recognized Award for excellence in Swiftwater Rescue. It recognizes an intense dedication to the field and a genuine desire to benefit the larger community. Only one Higgins & Langley Memorial award is awarded in any calendar year.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award is reserved for those few individuals who make a significant and lasting impact in the field of swiftwater rescue. Consequently, lifetime achievement awards are awarded only occasionally.
Program Development Award
The Program Development Award recognizes agencies that make a significant commitment to swiftwater rescue programs in their area. This award profiles the education, training and resources to develop a successful swiftwater rescue program.
Incident Award
Occasionally, a specific Incident is recognized that clearly demonstrates outstanding skill and preparedness, as well as outstanding teamwork in swiftwater rescue.
Special Commendation Award
The Special Commendation Award recognizes the breadth of possible contribution in the field of swiftwater rescue. Awards of this type can be for media contribution, strategic planning, individual heroism or esprit de corps.
For more information, please contact:
Higgins and Langley Memorial Awards
c/o Fred “Slim” Ray, Treasurer
8 Pelham Rd
Asheville NC 28803
Email: slimray@gmail.com
Tel: 828-505-2917
Download Nomination Forms:
Higgins and Langley Memorial Awards in Swiftwater Rescue
www.higginsandlangley.org
Higgins and Langley Memorial Awards newsletter:
Newsletter
If you have any questions, please contact us: href=”mailto:html.nominations@higginsandlangley.org
