April 12, 2016
— COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M Forest Service Firewise Coordinator
Nick Harrison received the 2015 USDA Forest Service Robert E. Browning Jr.
Award for his efforts in wildfire prevention, March 23.
The award is
in memory of Browning, a southern wildland firefighter who gave his life
battling the South Canyon Fire in Colorado in 1994. The award goes to those who
have gone beyond the call of duty in the 13-state Southern Region that spans
from Virginia to Texas.
As one of the
three leading natural disaster states — along with California and Florida — it
is important that Texas homeowners and fire departments are well informed of
how to reduce wildfire-causing hazards. Harrison uses the Ready, Set, Go!
program to provide educational materials and opportunities for homeowners that
can amplify the preparedness of communities.
“Nick works
diligently in coordinating all of the TFS RSG! programs. His dedication and
leadership has led to national recognition for how we utilize the program
across the state,” said Mitigation and Prevention Department Head Bruce Woods.
The RSG!
Program develops and improves the dialog between fire departments and the
communities they serve. The Texas program is routinely put to use by 500 fire
departments across the state and is frequently used by TFS.
Harrison has
actively worked in coordinating RSG! videos filmed by International Association
of Fire Chiefs in Texas.
“I’m very much
honored to receive this award which is a highlight of my career,” Harrison
said. “I am thankful for the opportunities that Texas A&M Forest Service
provides, which allows me to promote and deliver the Ready, Set, Go! Program at
all levels — local, state and national.”
Harrison
spearheaded the agency's efforts to sign up over 500 Texas fire
departments and the state maintains five of the top 15 national RSG! fire
departments.
Harrison is a
native of Brownwood and currently resides in Benbrook.
To learn more
about the Ready, Set, Go! Program and how to prepare for wildfires visit
texasfirewise.org.
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Editor’s Note:
Pictured are left Bruce Woods, Mitigation and Prevention Department head and
right Nick Harrison, Firewise coordinator.
Contacts:
Texas A&M
Forest Service Communications Office; 979-458-6606; newsmedia@tfs.tamu.edu