MFRI's Edwards to Receive CFSI Lankford Honor

He said the honor is reflective of the Maryland fire service, not just him.

Feb. 23, 2009

A veteran Maryland firefighter will be lauded for his contributions in April as the recipient of the 2009 Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award.

Edwards, the director of the Maryland Fire-Rescue Institute, will receive the honor during the annual dinner of the Congressional Fire Service Institute in Washington, D.C.

The award is co-sponsored by CFSI and Motorola.

Prior to taking over MFRI 15 years ago, Edwards was chief of the Prince George's County Fire Department.

"I was very surprised to hear I had been selected. It's an honor to be part of a very elite group," Edwards said in a telephone interview Monday afternoon.

Edwards was nominated by the North American Fire Training Directors.

He said the honor speaks volumes about the accomplishments in the Maryland fire service. "I am very proud of our programs...This is not just about me..."

The award is named for the late J. Mason Lankford Jr., of Texas, who recruited his native Texans to join the Congressional Fire Service Caucus when it was being established.