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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
    Attention: Leland Gayheart Award
    Trauma Burn Center
    1327 Jones Drive Suite 107A
    Ann Arbor, MI 48105-0715
    Phone: 734-998-8450
    Fax: 734-998-8453