Every year an increasing number of organizations and associations schedule meetings around the Congressional Fire Services Institute's Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner.

Both Wednesday afternoon and all-day Thursday, representatives from several state associations, including Delaware, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Illinois, started making the rounds of their Congressional leaders and staffers. Fourteen seminars were offered during the two days on the Hill.

The 19th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner was held Thursday evening. Former ABC News reporter Hal Bruno once again served as emcee for the evening, during which many awards were presented.

Former Pennsylvania Rep. Curt Weldon, the founding father of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, was honored as the 2007 CFSI Legislator of the Year.

The first Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Safety Leadership Award was presented to the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Fire Association for creating the Emergency Responder Safety program nine years ago to help prevent hazards of roadway operations.

The Home Safety Council presented the Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education to Jim Dalton of the National Fire Sprinkler Association for his 30 years of commitment to fire-safety education.

The annual CFSI/Motorola Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award was presented to Garry Briese for his 22 years of commitment to the fire service as executive director of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Wednesday evening, the IAFC hosted a reception for more than 300 family, friends and colleagues to honor Briese for his vision and leadership.

In 1985, Briese arrived at a near-bankrupt IAFC with the mandate to turn the organization around. He was instrumental not only in increasing the revenue of the IAFC, but in leading the organization to become a "go-to" resource on fire service issues. An author and international lecturer, Briese also is credited with increasing the awareness for training, safety issues and interoperability in the fire service.

On the eve of receiving the Mason Lankford Award, Briese told the gathering, "I am immensely proud and grateful to each of you for allowing me to be a part of your journey and this great organization.

"To those of you in the fire service and for those of you working in a job, never, ever let your job or your badge get between you and your family. There is nothing more important for you than family. By coming here tonight, we are all family."

Once again, the Mason Lankford Award has been bestowed on a individual who has made a difference in the fire service and in many people's lives.