Steven Edwards, director of the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute will receive the 2009 Congressional Fire Services Institute/Motorola Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award.

A veteran of the fire service for over 40 years, Edwards has been a strong voice for the fire service at the local, state and national levels. Prior to serving in his current position, he was fire chief of the Prince George's County (Md.) Fire Department. During his tenure as chief, the department received the International Association of Fire Cheifs Award for Excellence as well as 28 National Association of Counties Awards for Excellence. In 1993, he retired as chief to accept the director's position at the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute. At the University of Maryland faculty convocation in 2003, Edwards was presented the UMCP Presidents Distinguished Service Award for excellence and dedicated service to the University.

In 1997, Edwards was named president of the North American Fire Training Directors, an international organization that promotes the common interests of providing a quality fire training and educational experience for firefighters. In that capacity, he is credited with raising the presence of the association on national fire service issues and with strengthening the relationship between state fire training systems and the National Fire Academy. He has represented the association at a number of meetings with congressional leaders and administration officials on a broad range of fire service issues, offering insight on the importance of training as it relates to federal fire and homeland security programs.

In 2004, Edwards was selected as the chairman of the CFSI National Advisory Committee, composed of 42 national fire and emergency organizations that provide guidance and council to the Institute. He remains actively involved in the mission of CFSI providing support for a number of CFSI programs and initiatives. Each year, MFRI hosts the Congressional Firefighter Training Program attended by over 75 congressional staffers. The program provides hands-on training to help the participants acquire new knowledge about the training and equipment needs of the fire and emergency services.

His contributions to the work of CFSI and to the fire service has earned him praises from many congressional leaders, including House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) who said, "For over 40 years, Steve Edwards has exhibited a commitment to the health and safety of the citizens of our nation and the members of the fire services community. I know from my own experience of his strong character and his unending desire to contribute to the knowledge and well being of our nation's firefighters."

The presentation will take place at the 21st Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on April 2, at the Hilton Washington, in Washington, D.C.

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