The annual Forest Service Safety Awards honor employees who have significantly enhanced safety within the agency. They recognize individuals and teams for their proactive and innovative approaches to creating safer working conditions, improving practices, managing risks and promoting continuous learning in safety and occupational health.

Forest Service safety leaders announced the winners of the 2024 Forest Service Safety Awards during the quarterly all safety teams meeting in July. At the Forest Service, safety is a core value, and we are dedicated to fostering a safe, rewarding and resilient work environment.

The 2024 Forest Service Safety Award winners are:

Individual Award Winner: Michael Doyle

Michael Doyle was recognized for exceptional service while assigned as the forest service safety and health policy review lead. Doyle’s efforts, technical competence, and professionalism were instrumental to the overall success of the Forest Service safety manual review.

 Individual Award Winner: Elizabeth Krienert

Krienert was recognized for exceptional performance as the lead collateral duty safety officer, Ocala National Forest. Krienert is both thoughtful and engaging, creating a professional and safety conscious culture.

Team Award Winner: Sierra National Forest Safety and Wellness Committee

For their unwavering dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to the Sierra National Forest safety and wellness committee, elevating safety and culture through wellness principles.

 The SWELL Committee included the following employees:

•  Katherine Burton

•  Elliott Nuss

•  Joe Medley

•  Selena McLeod

•  Amilia Hoffman

•  Allyson West

•  Kyle Gaede

•  Brynn Perales

Unit Award Winner: Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area Staff

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area staff are recognized for exceptional performance on Dec. 5, 2024, when Deputy District Ranger Allen Hambrick and the recreation area staff safely and effectively evacuated their facility after a rare tsunami warning was issued by NOAA. At the time of the evacuation, the facility had unusually high occupancy.

• Amanda Heyerly

• Irisa Lange (kneeling)

• Elizabeth Kuplent

• Sam Cooper

• Allen Hambrik

• Hannah Parker

• Shane Gill

• Christina Ojeda

• Maria Vignati

• Derek Johnson