Leland Gayheart Prevention Award

Leland Gayheart was a 23 year old firefighter that lost his life due to a devastating burn injury in 1991. As a tribute, the Leland Gayheart Prevention Award was created to encourage prevention programs within local fire departments. An honorarium is awarded annually to fire department whose innovative efforts have demonstrated a statewide, countywide, or citywide impact on prevention and fire safety. This award is presented in joint effort by the Gayheart family and the University of Michigan Trauma Burn Center.

In loving memory of Leland, a unique video was developed. The production is a chronicle of his life, culminating in a 144 day burn course and honors his courageous struggle.

The award is presented annually to the Leland Gayheart Prevention Award recipient. This prestigious award includes a $500 honorarium, a plaque and the Leland Gayheart video.

Eligibility

All Michigan Fire Departments that are actively involved in fire safety prevention.

Entry Requirements

All nominees' must complete an nomination form and adhere to the format and length limitation described below to be considered for the award. All entries must include the following:

A synopsis of the program that explains its basic structure and outcomes to a broad audience. This section must include a paragraph describing the program and the problems it addresses; a list of organizations/individuals who have collaborated in the problem's design and/or implementation; a paragraph describing the essential elements of the strategy for implementing the program; and a brief summary of the program's outcomes. Synopsis must be typed, double-spaced and not to exceed five pages.
A sample of educational/support materials utilized in the program (optional).
Completed nomination form.

Selection Process

All nominations will be reviewed by the University of Michigan Trauma Burn Center. Programs are judged on the program design, outcomes, leadership role, target audience and impact on local, state or national level.

Nomination Deadline and Submission

All nominations for the 2007 Leland Gayheart Award must be postmarked by September 15, 2007. Completed nomination forms and educational/support materials may be mailed or faxed. Please note that education/support materials will not be returned and only the winning department will be notified.

Download Nomination Form (PDF)

Award Presentation

The winner of the Leland Gayheart Award will be notified by mail. The award presentation will be held during the month of October 2007.

2006 Award Recipient

Dave Winans
Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department
Thomas Dunleavy
Marquette Fire Department
Dean Mallos
Marquette Fire Department

Presentation of Leland Gayheart Award Recipients 2006

The Trauma Burn Injury Prevention team presents the 2006 Leland Gayheart Fire Safety & Prevention Award to Dave Winans, of the Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department. Click here for more info.

Past recipients of the Lee Gayheart Award

2005

Dave Glancy
Roseville Fire Department
Mike Roarty
Roseville Fire Department

2004

John Hager
City of Taylor Fire Department
Philip Mooney
City of Taylor Fire Department
Jesse Kribel
City of Taylor Fire Department

2003

John McDonagh
Dearborn Heights Fire Department
Nancy Butty
Rochester Hills Fire Department
Don Ortega
Tittabawassee Fire Department
Michael Pavela
Melvindale Fire Department

2002

Mike DeSloover
Monroe Fire Department

2001

Mike Kennedy
Brighton Fire Department
Ken Van Sparrentak
Ferndale Fire Department

2000

Jeff Brown
Grand Junction Fire Department
Tom Kiurski
Livonia Fire Department

1999

Robert Balchunas
Harper Wood Fire Department

Please mail completed forms and educational materials to:

Injury Prevention Team