The award is named for Stillwater, OK, Fire Chief Everett Hudiburg, an extremely influential figure in the U.S. fire service who served as Managing Editor of FPP and first Executive Director of the Fire Service Training Association (FSTA - now known as IFSTA when ties reached an international level). During this period, he also served as one of the first instructors in OSU's famed School of Fire Protection and was the Oklahoma's first State Fire Instructor.
FPP Director Christopher Neal said, "I'm proud to announce Mike Wieder as this year's recipient of the award. As most know, this is one of the most prestigious awards given in our service, and this year the IFSTA board selected one of our own."
Neal added, "I can think of no other in our service more deserving. Who would have thought that a young volunteer from Pennsburg headed off to the big campus of OSU would reach such heights? This and the many other awards and recognition of Mike over the past few years are indicative of not only his expertise, but more important his values. And like all of you, I'm proud to have him as a part of FPP and a friend."
Wieder holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in fire protection, safety, and adult education. He is a 20+ year member of the NFPA 1001 committee and serves as Chair of the NFPA 1026 committee. He has authored more than 30 books and government reports.
Some of the nation's most notable fire service leaders have set the standard of achievement for this award, which annually honors an individual who has contributed significantly to firefighter training. They include John Hoglund, Lou Amabilli, Carroll Herring, Alan Brunacini, Gerald Monigold, Marvin Austin, Harold Mace, and more recently Steve Edwards, Dr. Denis Onieal, and Billy Goldfeder - among many others.
Extra info:
Mike began his fire service career in his native Pennsburg, Pennsylvania and also served three years with the Stillwater, Oklahoma Fire Department. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in fire protection, occupational safety and health, and adult education. He began his employment at Fire Protection Publications as a student employee in December 1984. During his near 20-year career at FPP he has researched and written approximately 30 textbooks and more than 100 technical articles. He serves on or chairs numerous national fire service committees and has been named chairman of the national committee that will develop professional standards for first responders working within the National Incident Management System adopted by the Department of Homeland Security. He is also a widely known speaker at fire service conferences and seminars. He and his wife Lori are the proud parents of Luke, 6, and Emily, 4.
