FAIRFAX, Va. — The International Association of Fire Chiefs is pleased to announce that our previous executive director, Garry Briese, has been selected to receive the Congressional Fire Services Institute/Motorola Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award.
“This is an extremely high honor and we’re so proud of Garry and his accomplishments,” said President Chief Jim Harmes.” Garry exemplifies the work of the late Mason Lankford in all he has done for the fire service over the last 22 years and we look forward to seeing him receive the award at the CFSI dinner on March 29.”
Further information is provided below in the CFSI release:
Garry Briese to Be Honored at National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner Selected as Recipient of CFSI/Motorola Fire Service Leadership Award
WASHINGTON — The Congressional Fire Services Institute’s Board of Directors selected Mr. Garry Briese, former executive director of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, as the recipient of the 2007 CFSI/Motorola Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award. The presentation will take place at the 19th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on March 29, 2007, at the Hilton Washington, in Washington, D.C.
For 22 years, Mr. Briese served as executive director of the International Association of Fire Chiefs providing strong leadership to its members and to the fire and emergency services nationwide. Moreover, he has been credited for developing partnerships and programs that have enhanced the unity of the fire service leadership, and has drawn national awareness to the challenges and needs of America’s first responders.
“Garry has certainly made an indelible mark on the fire service for his vision and leadership over the past 20 years,” said CFSI President William Jenaway.” My fellow board members and I congratulate him on receiving this award and thank him for the leadership he has provided both within the IAFC and throughout our nation’s fire and emergency services.”
Named after the late J. Mason Lankford, Jr., and sponsored by CFSI and Motorola, Inc., the award recognizes an individual who has been proactive at the local, state or federal government level to raise the awareness and support of fire/emergency services and life safety issues. Lankford was a catalyst in the formation of the Congressional Fire Services Institute and Congressional Fire Services Caucus, founded by Congressman Curt Weldon in 1987.
For additional information about the National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner, please visit the CFSI website at www.cfsi.org.