Last updated: September 29, 2025
Article
National Aviation Awards 2024
The National Park Service (NPS) Aviation Branch awarded two individuals and a unit with aviation awards. In addition the Department of the Interior awarded one individual an Airward.
Kristin Kirschner and Troy Hamon both received National Park Service Excellence in Mentorship Aviation awards, and the United States Park Police Aviation Unit received the 2024-2025 National Park Service All Hazard Response award. Gabe Alvarado of Yellowstone National Park received a DOI Airward for Outstanding Safety Leadership.
The NPS Excellence in Mentorship Aviation Award recognizes an individual or organization who, through training and mentorship of aviation personnel goes above and beyond normal expectations to assist others in developing their personal or professional aviation growth. The NPS All Hazard Response Award recognizes an individual, crew or program who through professional interactions with coworkers, cooperators, and patients while rendering all risk services promotes innovation, professionalism, and advancements in policy, procedures, techniques, and equipment to further aviation all-hazard programs.
Kristin Kirschner and Troy Hamon both received National Park Service Excellence in Mentorship Aviation awards, and the United States Park Police Aviation Unit received the 2024-2025 National Park Service All Hazard Response award. Gabe Alvarado of Yellowstone National Park received a DOI Airward for Outstanding Safety Leadership.
The NPS Excellence in Mentorship Aviation Award recognizes an individual or organization who, through training and mentorship of aviation personnel goes above and beyond normal expectations to assist others in developing their personal or professional aviation growth. The NPS All Hazard Response Award recognizes an individual, crew or program who through professional interactions with coworkers, cooperators, and patients while rendering all risk services promotes innovation, professionalism, and advancements in policy, procedures, techniques, and equipment to further aviation all-hazard programs.
NPS/R TOUCHETTE
Kristin was recognized for her exceptional dedication, expertise, and mentorship within the NPS aviation community. Her contributions significantly enhanced the knowledge, skills, and safety culture of aviation personnel across the Pacific West and Intermountain regions.Consistently going above and beyond her duties, Kristin demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the professional growth of others. Her efforts in mentoring and guiding personnel have been instrumental in strengthening aviation operations across multiple regions. Kristin serves as a trusted advisor, an advocate for aviation safety and professional growth, and a leader who actively fosters a culture of learning. Some projects she played a key role in include:
- Supporting the NPS Aviation Program: By providing invaluable support to the aviation community, ensuring personnel are well-trained, informed, and equipped with the necessary skills to operate safely and effectively, especially in the emergency services realm.
- RM-60 Rewrite: Dedication to revising and improving the Reference Manual 60 (RM-60) has ensured that aviation guidance remains relevant, comprehensive, and aligned with current best practices.
- Regional Hoist Plan Development: Instrumental in drafting the regional hoist plan for both the Intermountain Region (IMR) and Pacific West Region (PWR), directly enhancing operational capabilities and safety procedures for specialized aviation operations.
- NPS Aviation Qualifications & Requirements: Developed the IMR/PWR NPS Aviation Qualifications framework and the NPS Aviation Qualifications Requirements Table, providing clear and structured pathways for personnel to develop their aviation expertise.
- Updating Aviation SharePoint Pages: Worked diligently to improve and maintain the aviation SharePoint web pages for both IMR and PWR, ensuring easy access to up-to-date resources, training materials, and policy updates.
NPS
Since 1998, Troy has been an integral part of the team at Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska, both aloft and on the ground. Peers describe his leadership style as patient, thoughtful, passionate, respectful, steadfast, and loyal, always stopping what he is doing to share aviation knowledge, passion, and experience with the next generation. Additionally, Troy demonstrates mentorship at multiple levels from developing staff knowledge of aviation to inspiring the next generation of private and professional pilots both in the park and local community. Jason Lux, ranger-pilot at Katmai National Park and Preserve, who spent hundreds of hours in summer 2024 working with Troy to obtain his commercial certifications shared “Without these countless hours of instruction, guidance, encouragement, and aviation camaraderie, I would not be where I am today.”
NPS
The USPP Aviation Unit provides law enforcement support for USPP officers as well as a broad scope of partner agencies across the National Capital Region. They conduct hundreds of missions each year in support of these goals. Several specific incidents highlighted the critical contributions made by the members of the Aviation Unit and their exemplary performance in responding to all hazard response missions:
- Marine Corps Marathon - On October 27, 2024, the NPS and the National Capital Region hosted nearly 30,000 runners and visitors for the annual Marine Corps Marathon. During the event, two separate runners suffered potentially fatal cardiac events. Working in conjunction with USPP officers, DC Fire and EMS personnel, and trained bystanders on the ground, the crew of Eagle 1 was able to facilitate the rapid aeromedical transport of both subjects to local hospitals for definitive and lifesaving treatment.
- National Security Special Events - During the operational period of January 6 through January 21, 2025, the Aviation Unit provided active support for three separate National Security Special Events: the 2025 Counting and Certification of Electoral Votes, the State Funeral of former President James E. Carter, and the 60th Presidential Inauguration. The Aviation Unit worked closely with dozens of partnering agencies to facilitate planning efforts for each of these events, specifically serving prominently on the Airspace Security and Health and Medical subcommittees. Operationally, the Aviation Unit provided extensive law enforcement support, security for Presidential and Foreign dignitary movements, and served as the primary medevac resource for each of the events.
- Potomac River Aviation Accident - On January 29, 2025, at approximately 8:45 p.m., a devastating collision between an inbound passenger plane and a Blackhawk helicopter took the lives of 67 passengers and crew members over the Potomac River at Reagan National Airport. Within minutes of the collision, the on-duty crew had launched and was actively collaborating with marine units from DC Fire and EMS, the Metropolitan Police Department, the United States Coast Guard and other agencies to search for possible survivors. As additional aviation units responded from surrounding areas, USPP personnel assumed the role of “air boss”, carefully coordinating and communicating with all available aviation assets to ensure safe and effective search operations. Within an hour of notification, sufficient off-duty Aviation Unit personnel had arrived at the hangar to upstaff the duty helicopter, fully staff a second helicopter and forward deploy two personnel to assist at the Incident Command Post and the Casualty Collection Point. Aviation personnel continued search and safety overwatch efforts throughout the night until relieved the next morning.
NPS
During a morning preflight inspection, Gabe identified an issue with the tail rotor. He observed that the Tail Rotor Gearbox (TRGB) bell crank appeared abnormal and, upon closer examination, discovered that the lower TRGB bell crank bushing had de-bonded. Gabe immediately notified the manager, and the aircraft was made unavailable. Without delay, he sourced a replacement part and drove to Seattle to pick it up. Thanks to his initiative, the helicopter was returned to service by the end of the shift.Gabe’s prior experience with this issue allowed him to recognize it quickly, demonstrating his vigilance and technical expertise. He consistently goes above and beyond what is required and having Gabe as our mechanic gives us confidence that the aircraft is not only safe but maintained to the highest standards.The Department of the Interior proudly recognizes Gabe Alvarado for his decisive actions and unwavering commitment to safety. His professionalism exemplifies the highest standards of the Department’s aviation operations and serves as a model for excellence in the field.
Congratulations to all NPS Aviation award and DOI Airward recipients!