NPSTC relies on you – our hard-working volunteers to accomplish our important work on behalf of public safety telecommunications.  Every year we recognize the hard work and commitment our volunteers provide while working full-time jobs.  The 2021 winners received their awards at the Governing Board meeting on June 17th.

Richard DeMello Award – Jim Goldstein.  The Richard DeMello Award was presented to Jim Goldstein in recognition of his personal dedication, professional leadership, and devotion to improving the local, state, and national public safety communications community including his tireless efforts in advocating for the "Don't Break Up the T-Band Act" of 2020.

NPSTC grants this award annually and presents it at the Radio Club of America (RCA) Annual Awards Banquet to an individual in public safety communications who has demonstrated the highest levels of personal and professional conduct and performance in the local, state, and national public safety communications arena.  NPSTC's highest level award, the DeMello Award was created in 2006 to honor the achievement of Richard DeMello, one of the founding fathers of NPSTC and a member of the RCA, who was instrumental in bringing all the frequency coordinators together to form NPSTC.

Chairman's Award – Kevin McGinnis.  The NPSTC Chairman's Award, created to recognize one individual who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, was presented to Chief Kevin McGinnis for his consistent unwavering support and dedication to NPSTC and the public safety communications community.  Chief McGinnis has served as past Chairman of the SAFECOM program, member of the FirstNet Board of Directors and currently serves as Vice-Chair of the NPSTC Governing Board.  He is a past recipient of the DeMello award in 2017.

Lifetime Achievement Award – Ray Lehr.  This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Chief Ray Lehr and reflects the 50 years that Chief Lehr has worked for the interests of public safety communications.  Chief Lehr has positively influenced nationwide policy in many ways over his lifetime, which as a result, has demonstrably improved public safety communications.  Chief Lehr is an example of excellence in his work and volunteerism for public safety.

The NPSTC Lifetime Achievement Award reflects the many years the recipient has worked for the interests of public safety communications nationwide.  This award is not given annually, but rather as determined by the NPSTC Governing Board.

Leadership Award – Don Root.  The Governing Board may present certificates of recognition to individuals and/or organizations that have demonstrated exceptional personal and professional conduct in leadership, either at the Committee or Working Group levels.  The Board presents Don Root this award for his leadership as Spectrum Committee chair, completing many deliverables supporting public safety communications, and fulfilling a long-term commitment serving public safety communications.

DJ Atkinson Award – Michael Wilhelm.  The DJ Atkinson Technical Award, which NPSTC created in 2012 to honor DJ Atkinson's work at NIST Boulder, recognizes individuals and/or organizations that have demonstrated exceptional technical support to NPSTC and the public safety communications community.  NPSTC is proud to award the DJ Atkinson Technical Award to Michael Wilhelm, Chief, Policy and Licensing Division in the FCC Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau.

Officers Special Award – Dawn Ober.  The Officers recognize NPSTC support office member Dawn Ober for her contribution to the work of NPSTC.  Over the past several years, Dawn has donated thousands of hours to NPSTC and is relied upon by the public safety volunteers and those who participate in the work of NPSTC every day of every week.  Her behind-the-scenes contribution has been exceptional and she has become the "go to person" for committee leadership and meeting management.  All of the staff has worked tirelessly for the NPSTC goals and objectives; however, Dawn has remained steadfast in her contribution on several fronts.  The Officers want to recognize Dawn and thank her for her years of service and volunteerism and thank her for the respect she has garnered for NPSTC work.