(April 20, 2012) - Several staff members at the National Weather Service forecast office in Shreveport, La. were selected to receive the regional and national Isaac M. Cline Awards, the agency's highest recognition for excellence. Observations Program Leader Aaron Stevens and Hydro-meteorological Technician Lisa Frantz were honored at a ceremony on April 10. Were recognized for their outstanding leadership, innovation, teamwork, quality assurance and safety in support of the forecast office's Air Observing Program.

Meteorologist-in-Charge Armando L. Garza, was also honored for outstanding dedication and leadership of the National Weather Service equal employment opportunity and diversity programs.

The prestigious Isaac M. Cline Awards are named for the man whose courage and dedication is credited with saving thousands of lives during the Galveston, Texas hurricane of 1900. Cline was in charge of the former U.S. Weather Bureau's Galveston office when the hurricane struck.

"The memory of Isaac Cline has exemplified the devotion of duty and courage that is so much a part of the long history of the National Weather Service," said Bill Proenza, regional director, National Weather Service Southern Region. "It is fitting that we honor excellent employees with awards that bear his name."

U.S. District 4 Congressman John Fleming was also on hand for the award ceremony to recognize the work and dedication of the Shreveport staff. This office provides forecasts, watches, and warnings for a large part of the Louisiana Parishes in Congressman Fleming's district and he said he was "extremely proud of the work that the National Weather Service does in their mission of protecting life and property".

"Our primary mission is to save lives and property, and the Cline Award recognizes the high level of proficiency with which our employees carry out their," noted Garza.

Each year local, regional, and national Cline Award recipients are chosen in ten categories including meteorology; hydrometeorology; engineering, electronics or facilities; hydrology; support services; program management and administration; upper air observation; outreach, leadership; and equal employment opportunity/ diversity.

Presented to individuals and teams, the awards identify and recognize employees for operational excellence in the delivery of products and services in support of the National Weather Service mission.

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