Texas A&M Forest Service Firewise Coordinator Nick Harrison received the 2015 USDA Forest Service Robert E. Browning Jr. Award for his efforts in wildfire prevention, March 23.

The award is in memory of Browning, a southern wildland firefighter who gave his life battling the South Canyon Fire in Colorado in 1994. The award goes to those who have gone beyond the call of duty in the 13-state Southern Region that spans from Virginia to Texas.

As one of the three leading natural disaster states — along with California and Florida — it is important that Texas homeowners and fire departments are well informed of how to reduce wildfire-causing hazards. Harrison uses the Ready, Set, Go! program to provide educational materials and opportunities for homeowners that can amplify the preparedness of communities.

“Nick works diligently in coordinating all of the TFS RSG! programs. His dedication and leadership has led to national recognition for how we utilize the program across the state,” said Mitigation and Prevention Department Head Bruce Woods.

The RSG! Program develops and improves the dialog between fire departments and the communities they serve. The Texas program is routinely put to use by 500 fire departments across the state and is frequently used by TFS.

Harrison has actively worked in coordinating RSG! videos filmed by International Association of Fire Chiefs in Texas.

“I’m very much honored to receive this award which is a highlight of my career,” Harrison said. “I am thankful for the opportunities that Texas A&M Forest Service provides, which allows me to promote and deliver the Ready, Set, Go! Program at all levels — local, state and national.”

Harrison spearheaded the agency’s efforts to sign up over 500 Texas fire departments and the state maintains five of the top 15 national RSG! fire departments.

Harrison is a native of Brownwood and currently resides in Benbrook.

To learn more about the Ready, Set, Go! Program and how to prepare for wildfires visit texasfirewise.org.

Pictured above are (left) Bruce Woods, Mitigation and Prevention Department head and (right) Nick Harrison, Firewise coordinator.