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The Bureau of Land Management is proud to name Cliff Hutton as the 2009 recipient of the National Wildland Fire Safety Award for his outstanding leadership and service.Hutton works as the BLM Colorado State Fire Operations Specialist, and has been working in fire since 1981."I am truly pleased to be able to recognize Cliff on his national award," BLM Colorado State Director Helen Hankins said. "I believe his commitments to firefighter safety and health epitomize the ideals embodied in high reliability organizations."Hutton's leadership led to improved fire operations and firefighter safety where oil and gas development are underway, and has created procedures and training for agencies in the Departments of Interior and Agriculture. In fact, Hutton's efforts have resulted in national changes within interagency standards for fire and fire aviation operations."I have built strong relationships with the men and women on the fire line, and we have developed a safety culture where that is our top priority," Hutton said. "Their safety comes first and I am glad to see a continued effort from the Bureau to recognize and ensure everyone makes it home to their families at night."During the 2009 fire season, following the tragic death of BLM employee Brett Stearns during tree falling operations, Hutton showed the ultimate level of compassion and commitment to firefighters and their families, and developed a faller checklist to improve tree falling risk assessments.Attached:Photo of Cliff Hutton (Left) receiving the award from Timothy M. Murphy, Deputy Assistant Director for the National Interagency Fire Center, Fire and Aviation.Sound clip from BLM Colorado State Director Helen M. Hankins.