WFO San Juan ITO Edward Tirado
(Nov. 2, 2010) - National Weather Service Southern Region Director Bill Proenza has selected San Juan Information Technology Officer Edward Tirado to receive a Special Act or Service Award. Tirado is being recognized for his work in support of the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico from July 17 to August 2.
"While this award is primarily for his excellent work during the 2010 Central American Games, it also recognizes Tirado's skills and leadership throughout the year," said Proenza. "He consistently seeks ways to improve technological efficiency, helping the forecast office in San Juan provide the best possible service to the residents and visitors of Puerto Rico."
When the National Weather Service forecast office in San Juan was asked to provide weather support for the games, Tirado was tasked to plan and coordinate the operation. Up-to-the-minute weather information was critical to the safety of more than 6,000 athletes and the hundreds of thousands of fans who attended the games in Mayagüez and other cities in Puerto Rico.
Tirado led a team of forecasters who rotated shifts between Mayagüez and the forecast office in San Juan. Frequently working 15 hour days, the team took on the responsibility of providing continuous weather briefings for the games' federal coordinator and his staff, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Puerto Rico Emergency Management Agency and Sports League officials as well as providing daily updates to the National Weather Service Southern Region Operations Center in Fort Worth, Texas.
While significant weather frequently plagued the games throughout event, Tirado and his team continued the daily briefings. They also helped the Emergency Operations Center staff troubleshoot and resolve computer hardware and Internet connectivity issues.
Overseen by the Central America Caribbean and Sports Organization, the games have been held every four years since 1926. Athletes representing 33 countries from around the Caribbean and Central American region participated in 32 events.
While Mayagüez was the official host town of the games, they were also held at venues in 16 different municipalities throughout the western portion of Puerto Rico.
Central American & Caribbean Games, Mayagüez, P.R. (Photo: CACSO)
Central American & Caribbean Games, Mayagüez, P.R. (Photo: CACSO)
