The CFSI Board of Directors selected Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell as the recipient of the 2020 CFSI/Motorola Solutions Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award. Established in 1998, the award recognizes fire service leaders for their work in advancing the readiness and response capabilities of our nation’s fire and emergency services.

Dr. Moore began her career in the fire service in 1987 with the Memphis, TN Fire Department where she served as a fire-paramedic. In 1993, she began a 26-year career with the International Association of Fire Fighters. Dr. Moore-Merrell focused much of her work in the area of data analysis, system performance measurements, and staff deployment models. Her contributions in these areas of research have had a significant impact in the fire service, changing practices, policies, standards and laws that have advanced the health and safety of our nation’s firefighters.

Dr. Moore is widely respected for her contributions in fire service-based EMS, having established agendas and contributing to policy development that have led to enhancements in the delivery of fire service-based emergency medical services.

“I can say without hesitation that Dr. Moore-Merrell has dedicated her life’s work to improving the performance of the fire service and protecting our country’s first responders and citizens,” said Chief Russ Sanders (ret), who nominated her for the award. “I know of no one who has worked harder or smarter than she has on behalf of our firefighters and the citizens of both the United States and Canada.

In 2019, Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell retired from the IAFF and founded the International Public Safety Data Institute. The nonprofit organization is dedicated exclusively for scientific purposes that provides analytical tools and information to the public safety sector to improve how they evaluate risks, deploy resources, and respond to emergencies.

The award presentation will take place on April 30, 2020 at the National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner. The dinner program culminates a two-day event – the 32nd Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Seminar and Dinner – hosted by the Congressional Fire Services Institute. Details about the event can be found by clicking here