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| Contact(s): | Charissa Beeler Stanton, (202) 208-6843 |
| Department Of The Interior's 60th Honor Awards Convocation Recognizes Those With Commitment To National Park Service Mission
National Park Service (NPS) Director Robert Stanton commended NPS recipients of this year's Department of the Interior (DOI) Honor Awards for their commitment and dedication to carrying out the mission of the NPS. Individuals and organizations receiving the Department's Distinguished Service Award, Valor Award, and Conservation Service Award were recognized at the 60th Honor Awards Convocation ceremony on October 30, 2000. "It is truly a pleasure to take part in this longstanding DOI tradition that recognizes exemplary employees and private citizens who go above and beyond the call of duty to carry out the mission of the National Park Service," said Stanton. "These individuals are an inspiration to us all. Their accomplishments encourage us to do great things and they make us proud to wear the green and gray." This year 21 NPS employees, 7 private citizens, and 2 organizations were recognized for their contributions to the NPS. Four Distinguished Service Awards, 19 Valor Awards, four Citizens Awards for Bravery, and six Conservation Service Awards were presented. The Distinguished Service Award, the highest Departmental honor award granted to a career employee, was established in 1948. Employees are granted the Distinguished Service Award based on an outstanding contribution to science; an outstanding skill or ability in the performance of duty; an eminent career in the Department; an outstanding contribution to equal opportunity in Government; an outstanding contribution to energy conservation; or any other exceptional contribution to public service. The Valor Award, established in 1957, recognizes an employee's demonstration of unusual courage involving a high degree of personal risk in the face of danger. The heroic act or rescue performed does not have to be related to the nominee's official duties nor occur at their official duty station. The Conservation Service Award is one of the highest awards of the Department that can be granted to private citizens or organizations for contributing to the mission of the NPS. The award was established in 1951. The DOI Honor Awards Program was established in 1948 by Julius A. Krug, 33rd Secretary of the Interior. In the early years there were two convocations per year. Currently the awards are presented annually. -NPS- Editor's Note: Attached is a complete list of the NPS recipients of the DOI's Honor Awards. These awards were given for accomplishments from 1998 - 2000. Honor Award Recipient Summaries Distinguished Service Awards Martha B. Aikens was recognized for her contributions as a manager, trainer, enterprising leader, and administrator for the National Park Service. John J. Reynolds was recognized for his significant accomplishments and innovative leadership with the National Park Service. Robert W. Reynolds was recognized for his outstanding contributions to park management and international cooperation. John W. Wade was recognized for his significant contributions to Department of Interior programs. Valor Awards Paul G. Crawford was recognized for his skillful and heroic actions in Boulder Basin at Lake Mead National Recreation Area that resulted in saving a life. Loren Fazio was recognized for his willingness to place himself at great personal risk to protect the public and other National Parks Service rangers at Yosemite National Park. Archie R. Ferguson was recognized for his skillful and heroic actions that saved the life of another at Cape Krusenstern National Monument in Alaska. Robert L. Freeman, a United States Park Police Officer, was recognized for his exceptional courage and quick, determined actions during a traffic stop on Suitland Parkway near Morningside, Maryland, during which he was shot at point blank range. Gordon Gilbert was recognized for his willingness to place himself at great personal risk to protect other National Park Service rangers at Yosemite National Park. Jeffrey W. Goad was recognized for his skillful and heroic actions in Boulder Basin at Lake Mead National Recreation Area that resulted in saving a life. David Hajdik was recognized for his willingness to place himself at great personal risk to protect the public and other National Park Service rangers at Yosemite National Park. Keith Lober was recognized with three Valor Awards for his heroic actions and willingness to place himself at great personal risk to save the lives of others at Yosemite National Park. Mary Hinson is being recognized with two Valor Awards for her heroic actions and willingness to place herself at great personal risk in order to save the lives of others at Yosemite National Park. N. Scott Hinson is being recognized for his willingness to place himself at great personal risk to protect the public and other National Park Service rangers at Yosemite National Park. Robert Moelder is being recognized for his skillful and heroic actions in Boulder Basin at La
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