Monday, February 8, 2010

The Wilson Award



Thank you to the Dangerous Goods Advisory Council for the honor of the Wilson Award.


2009 Wilson Award Winner Announced
SAN ANTONIO, TX - On Thursday, November 19, 2009, Larry Bierlein became the twenty-fourth recipient of the George L. Wilson Award at a special luncheon held in his honor. Each year, the Dangerous Goods Advisory Council presents the George L. Wilson Award to an individual, organization or company that has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the field of hazardous materials transportation safety. This honor is awarded in memory of DGAC's first President, George Wilson, who was recognized for his many contributions and life-long dedication to improving the safe transportation of hazardous materials.


DGAC President Michael Morrissette presented the Wilson Award to Mr. Bierlein, during the luncheon at the Grand Hyatt in San Antonio, TX, the site of DGAC's 31st Annual Conference and Hazardous Materials Transportation Exposition.


Mr. Morrissette called Mr. Bierlein an "unsung hero of hazmat" for his contributions during his lengthy career in the field of hazardous materials transportation, which has spanned 35 years.  Mr. Bierlein "played a major, but often unseen, role in crafting many national and international rules governing hazmat transportation," said Mr. Morrissette.  He served in the Office of the General Counsel of the US Dept of Transportation for five years, working on a range of modal issues involving hazmat transportation.


In 1972, Mr. Bierlein entered private practice and rapidly gained recognition as a skilled and knowledgeable consultant. He is known both nationally and internationally as a true expert on matters of packaging, testing and small quantity transportation. He has served on several federal panels including committees within the National Academy of Sciences and the Transportation Research Board.


Mr. Bierlein is also the author of numerous books and articles on hazmat transportation, including the Red Book on the Transport of Hazardous Materials.


"He is that rare person that combines both legal and technical knowledge," said Mr. Morrissette.  Mr. Bierlein graciously thanked DGAC and the selection committee for the honor, saying he was both flattered and touched to have received the award.


2009 George L. Wilson Award Winner, Larry Bierlein (center) poses with DGAC President Mike Morrissette and past award winners. From left, Rick Barlow (2005), Ron Klein (2006), Mike Morrissette, Larry Bierlein (2009), Chuck McHugh (2004), Frits Wybenga (1999), Al Roberts (1986).