June
30, 2015—COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Preventing wildfires has many benefits. For one
Texas A&M Forest Service employee, helping spread the message of wildfire
prevention has resulted in receiving a prestigious Smokey Bear Award.
Steve Deffibaugh, a seasonal resource specialist for
the agency was awarded the Bronze Smokey Bear Award on Wednesday, June 24
during the Southern Group of State Foresters annual meeting in San Antonio.
“When they were telling about the award, I really
thought it was going to the agency and I was there because I had contributed to
Smokey programs for the agency, which I am very proud to do,” Deffibaugh
said. “It was not until I mentioned it to Tom [TFS director and state
forester] about the agency receiving it that he said ‘No, this award is
yours.’ To say the least, I was speechless and it really brought me to
tears thinking of what my Uncle Homer would think.”
The personal connection between Deffibaugh and
Smokey Bear made this year’s win unique. His great uncle, Homer C. Pickens, was
appointed by the New Mexico Game and Fish Department to assist with a bear cub
rescued from a wildfire—this cub became the original Smokey Bear. This close
link drives Deffibaugh’s passion to promote Smokey’s prevention message and
helps his audience understand the consequences of wildfires on wildlife and
communities.
"Steve has a passion for promoting wildfire
prevention and delivering Smokey Bear's message,” Nick Harrison, TFS Firewise coordinator
and nominator of Deffibaugh said. “Combining his passion and the ability to
carry on a legacy started by his great uncle, the Bronze Smokey Bear Award is a
great way to recognize Steve's lifelong prevention efforts."
Deffibaugh crafted fire prevention programs based on
specific human-caused factors. He targeted six at-risk communities in North
Central Texas to initiate his programs and since its inception in 2007
human-caused wildfires decreased 12 percent in those areas.
The Bronze Smokey Bear Award is one of three awards
given annually to recipients recognizing their outstanding, sustained service
of at least two years with significant program impact to wildfire prevention.
The awards are given out on three levels—gold for national, silver for multi-state
and bronze for state level.
“All employees within Texas A&M Forest
Service are on Smokey's team helping deliver his timeless message of Only You Can Prevent Wildfires,” Mitigation and
Prevention Department Head Bruce Woods said. "Preventing wildfires
is key in preventing damage and destruction from
wildfires.”
Deffibaugh was also instrumental in planning and
participating in several wildfire prevention events throughout the state,
including a hot air balloon festival, several movie events in North Texas
during the release of Disney’s Planes: Fire and Rescue and appearing as Deffi the Wildland Fire Clown at Smokey’s 70th
birthday bash.
Through Deffibaugh’s continuous efforts, over a
three-year period he planned and coordinated 39 Smokey Bear prevention programs
which impacted over 23,000 people.
“I am proud to work for TFS. Texas A&M
Forest Service has given me the opportunity and the platform to promote Smokey
far and wide in our great State of Texas on behalf of TFS, but also allows me
to keep the legacy of my great uncle alive,” Deffibaugh said.
Since 1970, TFS employees and volunteers have
received 10 Smokey Bear Awards and the agency has nominated three partner
organizations for the award.
To learn more about the Smokey Bear Award visit smokeybear.com/awards. Visit our Flickr album
for photos of Deffibaugh winning the Bronze Smokey Bear Award.
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Contacts:
Nick Harrison, Firewise Coordinator
817-894-4761, nharrison@tfs.tamu.edu
Jessica Jackson, Communications Specialist
979-458-6619, jjackson@tfs.tamu.edu