Nominations for the Continuing Challenge Awards Program ends May 1, of each year.
Each year, The Continuing Challenge Workshop honors excellence in the field of hazardous materials response with the annual awards program. There are a variety of awards that may be granted on an annual basis, with a maximum of one award per category.
The following are the awards which may be bestowed by the Committee.
The William J. Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award – This award is presented to the individual or organization who has dedicated a “lifetime” of commitment and sacrifice in creating and/or promoting innovations and achievements in hazardous materials response, management and/or leadership. It is presented in honor of William J. Patterson, a pioneer and innovator in emergency response and hazardous materials management for more than fifty years. This award is sponsored by the Sacramento City Fire Department.
The James H. Meidl Instructor of the Year Award – This award is presented to the individual who has played a key role in creating and/or promoting innovations and achievements in hazardous materials training and education. It is named in honor of the individual whom many consider to have coined the term “hazardous materials” – James H. Meidl, a trailblazer, mentor and visionary in hazardous materials training, education, facility inspection and response. This award is co-sponsored by the California Specialized Training Institute & the California State Fire Marshal.
The Continuing Challenge Medal of Valor – This award is presented to the individual(s) who has displayed service, courage, sacrifice and/or heroism “above and beyond the call of duty.” The award is open to any responder, public or private, volunteer or paid, on or off-duty that demonstrated valor while participating in a hazardous materials event. This honor may be issued posthumously. This award is sponsored by the Continuing Challenge Committee.
The Robert P. Turkington Innovation and Technology Award – This award is presented to the individual, group, organization or other association who developed, or was instrumental in the development and/or creation of a new technology or innovation for the hazardous materials community. It is named in honor of Robert P. Turkington, an early innovator in hazardous materials response equipment. The innovation, technology or invention may be for any aspect within the hazardous materials community. This award is sponsored by Bauer & Associates.
The Leo K. Najarian Responder of the Year Award – This award is presented to the individual, agency or organization who most exemplifies the spirit, ideals, essence and practice of hazardous materials response and management. The award is open to any responder public or private, volunteer or paid, individual or organization. The honor is named after Leo K. Najarian, an early guide, mentor and idealist in hazardous materials response and incident management. This Award is sponsored by the California State Firefighters’ Association.