Logo of the Higgins and Langley Memorial Awards for Swimwater and Flood Rescue, featuring a blue globe with continents and a black and gold outer ring.
Profile of Earl Higgins with brown hair and mustache outdoors near large snow piles.
Jeff Langley with a mustache in a light blue uniform standing in front of a fire truck.

HIGGINS & LANGLEY

Memorial & Education Fund  

The Higgins and Langley Memorial and Education Fund for swiftwater and flood rescue, honor outstanding achievements in the technical disciplines of swiftwater and flood rescue.

Established in 1993 by the NASAR Swiftwater Rescue Committee in honor of two rescuers who lost their lives, Earl Higgins and Jeff Langley. These awards have increased awareness surrounding the need for specialized swiftwater and flood rescue training and preparedness. As a result, high quality accredited trainings have increased worldwide and rescue agencies continue to be inspired to develop viable water rescue programs to protect communities, the public, and rescuers.

Mission of the Higgins and Langley Memorial and Education Fund

SWIFTWATER RESCUER ABOVE A STRAINER IN THE RIVER

Higgins and Langley Memorial and Education Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to driving meaningful change in swiftwater & flood response and education.

We are bringing awareness to, and recognition of, the efforts made by teams and individuals in their training, preparedness, and responses to swiftwater and flooding events worldwide.

Our mission is to improve how communities prepare for and respond to swiftwater and flooding incidents worldwide through awareness, education and support.

This work is can not be accomplished without ongoing donations and sponsorship by generous individuals and companies.

Help us make an impact

The Higgins and Langley Memorial and Education Fund was established over 30 years ago by the National Association for Search and Rescue, Swiftwater Rescue Committee, in honor and memory of two rescuers:

Earl Higgins, who lost his life in 1980 while rescuing a child being swept down the flood-swollen Los Angeles River,

Jeffrey Langley, who lost his life during a rescue in a helicopter incident in 1993.

History of the Higgins and Langley Memorial and Education Fund

Photo of Rescuer Earl Higgins, Hero who lost his life saving another in a swiftwater rescue.

EARL HIGGINS

Writer, Documentary, Filmmaker

1950-1980

Learn more
Rescuer Jeff Langley, Hero who gave his life while on a rescue to save another person

JEFFERY LANGLEY

Firefighter Paramedic, Los Angles County Fire Department

1965-1993

Learn more

News

  • Five men, including firefighters and a man in a suit, standing outdoors by a water body with trees in the background. One man holds a Higgins and Langley Memorial Award, and all are smiling.

    2027 Higgins and Langley Awards Ceremony

    August 23-27th 2026

    Join us in recognizing the many outstanding teams and individuals being recognized for their efforts and contributions to swiftwater and flood rescues. 2027’s ceremony will take place during the Oklahoma Swiftwater Rescue Conference & Championship Games.


    Additional details to follow.

    RSVP
  • Higgins and Langley Logo

    Nominations Open for Events in 2026

    Nominations are open for all awards categories!

    Submit a Nomination