Office Awards

DOC Silver Medal Award for Public Service or Heroism

The National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office, Tallahassee, Florida, is recognized for lifesaving efforts prior to and during an outbreak of severe weather and tornadoes across southwest Georgia on the night of Sunday, February 13, into the early morning hours of Monday, February 14, 2000. Three deadly tornadoes swept across southwest Georgia killing nineteen, injuring 200, nearly destroying 300 homes, and causing an estimated $25 million in property damage. The warning lead times were absolutely paramount to saving lives because the tornadoes occurred when most residents in the paths of the storms were asleep. For more information on the tornado outbreak, see our web page on the event. Click on the image below for a larger view.

Please be patient while the image loads. This image depicts a group of pictures showing National Weather Service forecaster, Ken Gould, accepting the Silver Medal Award from Commerce Secretary, Norman Mineta, and NOAA Administrator, Dr. D. James Baker.

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