STIHL OBSERVES 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF NATIONAL FORESTRY HEROISM AWARD
Honors Don Mackey with Commemorative Award and Names Larry Barr 2006 Forestry Hero

Date: August 2006
Release Date: IMMEDIATELY

Press Inquiries:
Anita Gambill, (757) 486-9151
All other inquiries:
STIHL Incorporated
(757) 486-9100

Westminister, Colo. ­ In honor of the National Forestry Heroism Award’s 10th anniversary, STIHL Inc. recognized two outstanding individuals for their heroic contributions to our nation’s forests and those who protect them. STIHL honored smokejumper Don Mackey, one of 14 firefighters who perished on Storm King Mountain in 1994, with the 10th Anniversary Commemorative National Forestry Heroism Award. In addition, Larry Barr, Mississippi State Fire Coordinator, received the 2006 Forestry Heroism Award for his pivotal role in preserving forest resources in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. 10th Anniversary Commemorative National Forestry Heroism Award In 1994, Mackey, 34, directed eight firefighters to safety and urged six more up the hill before he returned to the blaze to assist others in the tragic fire on Storm King Mountain in Colorado. He and 11 crew members became fatally trapped in the 2,000-acre firestorm that began as a slow moving 50-acre brushfire (two others died elsewhere in the fire that day). Mackey’s courage and selfless sacrifice continue to be recognized by survivors and the national firefighting community. Mackey’s parents, Bob and Nadine, along with his children Leslianne and Robert, were on hand to accept the award. “Firefighters are the most unselfish people in the world. We’re proud to receive this award on Don’s behalf. He truly made the ultimate sacrifice to return to the fire line to help save the others,” said Nadine Mackey.

Mississippi State Fire Coordinator Larry Barr received the STIHL National Forestry Heroism Award today along with Nadine, Bob, Leslianne and Robert Mackey who accepted the award on behalf of their son and father, Don, who perished on Storm King Mountain in July of 1994.

2006 National Forestry Heroism Award
Prior to Hurricane Katrina’s landfall, Barr led his staff in staging firefighters and fire apparatus throughout Mississippi. After the storm, Barr was instrumental in locating and coordinating emergency resources, assessing the response and replacing lost or damaged equipment, as well as containing forests killed by saltwater as a fire prevention measure ­ much done from a hospital bed as he recovered from shoulder surgery. His efforts saved thousands of acres of forests and aided countless storm victims.

“I don’t deserve this,” said Barr. “We have to change the way people think about firemen. We don’t just keep the truck all shiny. We are now the first responders to terrorist attacks, natural disasters and HAZMAT situations. We simply don’t just put the wet stuff on the red stuff. We are the first line of defense in many situations that require a tremendous amount of training and discipline.”

Anita Gambill, representative for STIHL Inc., presented the National Forestry Heroism Award to Barr and 10th Anniversary Commemorative National Forestry Heroism Award to Mackey’s family at a ceremony, in Westminster, Colo. on August 12, 2006.

“Larry Barr and Don Mackey embody the spirit of the National Forestry Heroism Award,” Gambill said. “STIHL is proud to recognize their heroic efforts as we reflect on a decade of honoring the brave men and women who protect and preserve our nation’s forests.”

Also in attendance was Mayor Nancy McNally of Westminster whose daughter was in Tower One of the World Trade Center during the attack on 9-11. “Needless to say, I have a great respect for firefighters. My daughter made it out of the building due to the heroic efforts of some New York firefighters,” said the Mayor.

Barr received the STIHL National Forestry Heroism Award plaque and a monetary gift. STIHL also presented a plaque to Mackey’s family and a check to each of Mackey’s children, Leslianne (18) and Robert (16), for continuing education. STIHL made a donation to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, as well.

The ceremony was held in conjunction with the Firefighter Combat Challenge, which was developed more than a decade ago as a fitness competition for firefighters in order to demonstrate the rigors of the profession. The Firefighter Combat Challenge is hosted in over 20 locations nationwide, attracts hundreds of competitors, and is viewed by millions worldwide each year.

About the National Forestry Heroism Award
STIHL created the National Forestry Heroism Award in 1996 to give special recognition each year to an extraordinary individual who works with, in, or devotes a significant portion of his or her time to the forestry industry. The award was inspired by the fire on Storm King Mountain in Colorado, which took the lives of 14 wildland firefighters in June 1994. Nominations are open to firefighters, loggers, forest and park rangers, and other individuals employed in the care and maintenance of our nation’s forests. Candidates are judged on such criteria as the impact of their action for the good of society and the forestry industry, as well as how memorable the candidate’s action was.

About the Wildland Firefighters Monument
The Wildland Firefighters Monument, which honors all past, present and future wildland firefighters, was dedicated at Ochocco Park in Prineville, Oregon on June 15, 1996. It is the first such monument in the United States. Inspired by the tragedies of the 1994 fire season, the Prineville Hotshots Parents Committee (parents of the nine Prineville Hotshots who died on Storm King Mountain in Colorado on July 6, 1994) are responsible for its creation. STIHL is corporate benefactor of the Wildland Firefighters Monument.

The bronze memorial, which portrays firefighters in the clothing, tools, and equipment used in the 1994 fire season, is one and one-quarter life size and is set on a 3-foot stone base. Cast by sculptor David Nelson of Glenwood, Colorado, it is 14 feet long, 8 feet wide and 11 feet high. (A tabletop replica is displayed at each National Forestry Heroism award presentation.)

About STIHL Inc.
STIHL Inc. manufactures the world’s largest selling brand of chain saws and produces a full line of powerful, lightweight, and versatile handheld outdoor power equipment for homeowners and professional users. STIHL products are sold through servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast— not mass merchants. For more information or for the name of the closest STIHL retailer call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the STIHL Web site at www.stihlusa.com.

For information on job opportunities with STIHL Inc., please go to www.stihlcareers.com. STIHL is an EEO and drug-free work environment.

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