J. Mason Lankford, Jr. devoted much of his life to the fire service. A native of Texas, Mason served in various capacities, including Tarrant County (TX) Fire Marshal. When Congressman Curt Weldon (PA), founder of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, sought Congressional support for fire/emergency issues, Mason recruited the Texas delegation, including House Speaker Jim Wright, who was a pivotal player in the successful launch of the Fire Caucus.
The Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award, jointly sponsored by the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and Motorola, exemplifies the work of Mason Lankford. Mason’s legacy resonates in the message he would impart calling for a stronger fire service without leaving anyone behind. Mason waged his best battles not on the fireground, but in Congressional and State Legislative offices. He did not look at issues with any predisposition that favored one group over another. Mason sought a fire serice that stressed preparation and readiness of all responders.
Award Goals
Each year an individual from the fire service community can be recommended to receive the Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award. Candidates should exemplify one or more of the following goals:
- Leadership in promoting and supporting fire/emergency service and life safety issues
- Advancing the readiness of the Fire/EMS services at any level of government (local, county, state, federal)
- Strengthening fire safety through the development of fire prevention programs
- Act as a catalyst to improve the fire service
- Candidate should be employed by a government agency, private organization, be self-employed, or serve in a voluntary capacity
- The actions or achievements for which the candidate is being considered must have a positive impact in advancing the readiness of the fire and EMS services at any level of government (local, county, state, federal)
- Candidate must be nominated by someone other than him/herself, and CFSI must receive letters of support from at least two elected public officials who are familiar with the candidate’s leadership in the fire service. It is not imperative that the elected officials both serve at the same level (i.e. federal, state or local)
- Candidate must have a fire service or EMS background in either a career, volunteer or combined department
Selection Committee
The Selection Committee is comprised of the CFSI Board of Directors and Chairman of the National Advisory Committee. The award recipient will be the sole decision of the CFSI Board of Directors.
Award
The recipient of the Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award will be honored at the annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner held each spring in Washington, D.C. The winner will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. to attend the dinner. This includes airfare and hotel accommodations.
Award Submission
- To be considered for this award, the candidate must be nominated by someone other than him/herself
- An abstract of between 200-500 words detailing how the candidate has worked to promote fire service issues must be included along with the application form
- The application must include the written recommendation of two (2) elected officials at either the local, state or federal level
- Candidate nominations must be received by March 18th, 2002 at the CFSI office to be considered for this year’s award. Send completed nominations to: MASON LANKFORD FIRE SERVICE LEADERSHIP AWARD, c/o CFSI, 900 Second Street NE – Suite 303, Washington, D.C. 20002. The award will be presented at the Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner. For a copy of the nomination form, click here, or call (202) 371-1277.