Awards Nomination form
Or print out the form shown as an attachment at the end of this page.
History Of The George Hughes Award
In 1993, the Texas Association of Fire Educators created a new award to honor individuals who were directly involved in the training of their department and other area departments and who were the Training Officer for their department. This award replaced the "Instructor of the Year" Award presented the previous 6 years.
The George Hughes Award was created to honor George McQuistion Hughes, Jr. George was born on June 28, 1948 in Springfield, Ohio. He attended school in Dublin, Ohio.
After graduation he entered the U.S. Navy. While in the Navy, George applied and was accepted to Submarine school. He successfully completed training and was assigned to the Pacific Fleet. After four years in the Navy, George was discharged and moved to Fort Worth, Texas where his family was living.
George began his firefighting career as a volunteer with the North Richland Hills Fire Department in 1970. In October of 1971 George was hired as a fully paid firefighter with NRHFD. During his time with NRHFD, he along with other Tarrant County fire service members assisted Jim Nichols in creating the Fire Protection Technology program at the Tarrant County Junior College.
George was one of a few firefighters at the time who believed in higher education for all members of the fire service. This was not a popular stand furing a time in our history when many fire chiefs frowned upon college education.
In 1973 George left Texas to assume the position of Training Chief for the Columbia Fire Department in Missouri. George was instrumental in re-structuring the training division within the Columbia Fire Department as well as the Boone County Fire Protection District.
While in Missouri, George also planned and implemented a joint communication agreement between the city and county public safety agencies which resulted in a Joint Communications facility still in use today.
In 1977 George left the fire service to sell fire equipment. Most of the Texas fire service remembers George as a "Fire Hose Salesman". Although he was now considered in the "Private Sector," George continued to support improved training within the fire service.
With an always-hectic schedule, George always found time to teach firefighters. He was a guest instructor throughout the United States and Canada. He taught annually at the University of Missouri Summer Fire School and taught for 15 years at Texas A & M Municipal Fire School as well. He was at ease teaching in a formalized classroom setting or off the "tailboard" of an engine in the field.
George was quick to lend his assistance when the Texas Commission on Fire Protection began to explore the idea of an annual fire Instructors Conference; he offered his help and advice. George was a guest presenter in several of the early conferences in the late 80s and early 90s.
On April 28, 1992 George's life was cut tragically short when he was attacked while walking home from a corner store near his home in Long Beach, California. Two teenagers on bicycles robbed and killed George for less than $20.00 in cash.
The Texas Association of Fire Educators recognized the efforts George made, as well as numerous fire service industry personnel who have given of their time and resources to help improve the fire service education process. During a time of rapid change within the fire service, George was a voice that called for fire training to step up to the plate and provide the quality of training that the profession of firefighting demanded.
George Hughes was one of those people you meet in life who had an impact on most everyone he met. If you had a class presented by George, you never forgot him. He was one of those people, in their own small way, had a huge impact on making things better for the fire service in North America.
George Hughes Award Nomination Guidelines
Help the Texas Association of Fire Educators recognize the many fine fire service instructors by nominating an individual. Please carefully adhere to the nomination guidelines:
1. Actions demonstrating or exemplifying the goals, objectives and ethics of the Texas Association of Fire Educators.
2. Performances demonstrating planning, development and delivery of training and education that have changed the behaviors of target audiences.
3. Variety and quality of activities which have and/or been deemed as outstanding in their field.
4. Participation in innovative programs, technology or equipment for the fire service.
5. Training not necessarily under the direct training requirements for a firefighter.
6. Selection may be from, but not limited to the following: Special speakers, college instructors, vendors, specialty instructors, fire service instructors.
