A number of local and regional dignitaries, as well as the staff of the National Weather Service in Huntsville, took time on Tuesday, July 24 to honor a longtime employee. Huntsville Observing Program Leader (OPL) Lary Burgett was presented with the prestigious National Isaac Cline Award for Support Services, in recognition for his outstanding work in a number of local and regional efforts. While Cline Awards are given out on local and regional levels and for several different categories, only one person or team receives the National Cline Award for Support Services each year.

To mark the event, U.S. Representative Bud Cramer (D-AL) read a statement of congratulations into the Congressional Record. Mr. Burgett was presented with a large plaque by Southern Region Acting Director Steven Cooper, and received a copy of the Congressional Record containing Rep. Cramer's statement from district director Jim McCamy.

Mr. Burgett received the award for going well above and beyond his normal duties in 2006. As part of his position, Mr. Burgett routinely visits cooperative observer sites to ensure their accurate and timely measurements. In 2006, Mr. Burgett also worked with NWS Huntsville personnel and local, state, regional, and national officials to install modernized cooperative observations stations at 7 locations across the Huntsville forecast area, in addition to fulfilling a number of vital administrative duties within the office while it was without a full-time administrative support assistant. Mr. Burgett has been with the Huntsville NWS office for more than 25 years, going back to its days at the Huntsville airport, and served as the airport office's Official-In-Charge (OIC) during the late 1990's and early 2000's.

A heartfelt congratulations goes to Lary on behalf of everyone at the National Weather Service in Huntsville!

Jim McCamy, district director from Rep. Cramer's office, reads a portion of the Congressional Record honoring Mr. Burgett's award.

Mr. Burgett receives his National Isaac Cline Award plaque from NWS Southern Region Acting Director Steven Cooper.