Roseville, MN, Fire Chief Richard B. Gasaway, PhD, was selected as the recipient of the prestigious FIRE/W. L. Gore Research Excellence Award at the 2008 Fire Related Research & Developments Conference held November 12-13 at the British Fire Service College in Moreton In Marsh, Gloucestershire, England.
The award was based on conference organizers evaluations of 32 research presentation submissions on topics related to fire and emergency services. Gasaway's research paper and presentation were titled Fireground Command Decision Making: Understanding the Barriers Challenging Commander Situation Awareness. The presentation was based on scientific research Gasaway conducted to help improve the safety of firefighters operating at the scenes of emergencies.
"Dr. Gasaway's presentation was both insightful and provocative. It went to the heart of our concerns for the safety of firefighters," said FIRE Journal editor, Andrew Lynch. "I believe research of this kind is fundamental to the long-term health and well-being of fire and rescue service personnel. Such work should be supported and encouraged to ensure firefighters and the general public receive the highest standards of protection."
"In light of the exceptional group of talented researchers who presented at this year's conference, I am incredibly honored to have been selected for this award," Dr. Gasaway stated. "An award of this stature serves as a vindication that my research has value to firefighters in America and around the world. Thank you to the FIRE Journal and W. L. Gore for their sponsorship and to the panel who selected my work for this recognition."
Dr. Gasaway is a Firehouse.com contributor and host of The Leader's Toolbox podcast program. Gasaway is considered to be one of the nation's leading fire service authorities on the topic of fireground situation awareness and fireground command decision making under stress. Gasaway received his Doctor of Philosophy degree from Capella University in Minneapolis.. His research has been adapted into a national firefighter safety program called "Fifty Ways to Kill Your Brother." The research has also been published in a book that is available on his website, www.RichGasaway.com. If you would like more information about his research endeavors or to inquire about a program presentation, you can reach Dr. Gasaway at [email protected].
