Higgins and Langley Memorial Awards
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Jeffrey Langley Firefighter/Paramedic Los Angeles County Fire Department 1965-1993 |
Earl F. Higgins Writer, Documentary Filmmaker 1950-1980 |
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Background:
The Higgins and Langley Memorial Awards honor outstanding achievement in the technical rescue discipline of swiftwater and flood rescue. They are not heroism awards, but rather recognize preparedness, teamwork, and a job well done, often under extreme conditions, where training is vital to the success of rescue missions, as well as the safety of rescue personnel and the victims who are being rescued.The awards were established in 1993 by members of the Swiftwater Rescue Committee of the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) in honor of Earl Higgins, a writer and filmmaker who lost his life in 1980 while rescuing a child who was swept down the flood-swollen Los Angeles River, and Jeffrey Langley, a Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighter-paramedic, who lost his life in a helicopter incident in 1993.
Flooding is the leading cause of weather related death worldwide. Rescuers who lack proper swiftwater/flood rescue training and equipment are at risk of serious injury and loss of life. Every year, would-be rescuers, both citizens and professionals, die in swiftwater incidents. Although improvements in response capability are being made in many public safety agencies, others remain inadequately prepared to perform safe and effective swiftwater and flood rescues.
Higgins and Langley Memorial Awards have increased awareness about the need for specialized swiftwater and flood rescue training. As a result, worldwide training certifications have increased and agencies have been inspired to develop viable water rescue programs, both for the protection of the public, as well as the safety of their personnel.
Award Categories:
There are several award categories, including the highest award presented: the Higgins and Langley Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Swiftwater Rescue. The Program Development Award honors those who have developed and implemented stellar swiftwater rescue programs. The International Award honors international teamwork and individual accomplishments. Team, Incident, and Special Commendation Awards recognize individual contributions, as well as teamwork. And on occasion, a special Lifetime Achievement Award is presented.
- 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 and flood rescue. It signifies an intense dedication to the field and a genuine desire to benefit the larger community responsible for the service. 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, lasting and continuous impact in the field of swiftwater rescue. Consequently, Lifetime Achievement Awards are rarely awarded.
- Program Development Award
- The Program Development Award recognizes agencies that make a significant commitment to swiftwater and flood rescue programs in their area. This award profiles the education, training and resources to develop a successful swiftwater and flood rescue program.
- International Award
- The International Award recognizes individuals or teams outside the United States that merit consideration for contributions or specific incidents in the field of swiftwater/flood rescue.
- Incident Award
- Occasionally, a specific Incident is recognized that clearly demonstrates outstanding skill and preparedness in a swiftwater rescue.
- Team Award
- Recognizing the importance of team dynamics in the field of Swiftwater Rescue, a Team Award is considered in cases of outstanding, group dynamics or achievement.
- 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.
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