The presentation of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and Motorola Solutions 2020 Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award was to have taken place at the 32nd Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner, but the program was canceled due to COVID-19. So, the two organizations instead produced an award video to honor Dr. Moore-Merrell for her achievements. The five-minute video features tributes from national fire service leaders and personal thoughts from Dr. Moore-Merrell on her distinguished fire service career.
By FireRescue1 Staff
ARLINGTON, Va. — The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) Board of Directors has selected Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell as the recipient of the 2020 CFSI/Motorola Solutions Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award.
Established in 1998, the award recognizes fire service leaders for their work in advancing the readiness and response capabilities of our nation’s fire and emergency services.
Dr. Moore-Merrell began her career in the fire service in 1987 with the Memphis (Tennessee) Fire Department where she served as a fire-paramedic. In 1993, she began a 26-year career with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). She is also a member of the FireRescue1 editorial advisory board.
Moore-Merrell focused much of her work in the areas of data analysis, system performance measurements, and staff deployment models. Her contributions in these areas of research have had a significant impact in the fire service, changing practices, policies, standards and laws that have advanced the health and safety of the nation’s firefighters.
“I can say without hesitation that Dr. Moore-Merrell has dedicated her life’s work to improving the performance of the fire service and protecting our country’s first responders and citizens,” said retired Chief Russ Sanders, who nominated her for the award. “I know of no one who has worked harder or smarter than she has on behalf of our firefighters and the citizens of both the United States and Canada.
In 2019, Moore-Merrell retired from the IAFF and founded the International Public Safety Data Institute. The nonprofit organization provides analytical tools and information to the public safety sector to improve how they evaluate risks, deploy resources and respond to emergencies.
Oct. 7, 2020, Update: The presentation of the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and Motorola Solutions 2020 Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award was to have taken place at the 32nd Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner, but the program was canceled due to COVID-19. So, the two organizations instead produced an award video to honor Dr. Moore-Merrell for her achievements. The five-minute video features tributes from national fire service leaders and personal thoughts from Dr. Moore-Merrell on her distinguished fire service career.