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
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.
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
Upcoming events
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Nominations open for events in 2025 open
11-1-2025
Nominations are now open for events in 2025
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Nomination window closes for events in 2025
March 10th 2026
Nominations close for events that occurred in 2025
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2026 Higgins and Langley Awards Ceremony
August 28th 2026 5:00-8:00PM
Join us in recognizing the many outstanding teams and individuals being recognized for their efforts and contributions to swiftwater and flood rescues.