Chuck Melvin from the K-9 Search & Rescue Team in Dolores was recently awarded the awarded the J. Hunter Holloway Spirit Award for 2012.
Melvin has been the team commander of K-9 Search and Rescue since 1990, but his service to the community dates back to the early 70s. He has served as a local EMT, law enforcement officer for several departments, local fire fighter, and a teacher in the community since that time. Melvin is currently an instructor throughout the country, talking on search dog theory and other management items. He has been active in search and rescue efforts in the southwest corner of Colorado, throughout Colorado and New Mexico, and on the national stage. He recently has done an international mission.
Recently, Melvin retired from being a full time teacher and spends much of his time assisting newer members in search and rescue and in the canine arena. Many hours are spent at the Dog House in Dolores.
The J. Hunter Holloway Spirit award is named after Hunter Holloway, a leader in search and rescue in Colorado and the United States. Hunter was killed in an automobile crash in 1992. His spirit is remembered by the presentation of this award, which was created in 1993, to those in Colorado who best emplify his dedication to search and rescue in Colorado. The award is given based on one of the following categories; Personal effort in public preventative safety education. Personal effort in professional educations of the SAR community. Extraordinary efforts in a search or rescue mission either afield or in mission management. Extraordinary efforts in ongoing support of SAR missions during the entire year. Personal commitment to the professional advancement of Colorados SAR community.
Melvin was recognized for Personal Effort in Professional Education in the SAR Community. He is the only search & rescue professional to be awarded the Ralph Dowdy Memorial Award (NM) and the J. Hunter Holloway Spirit Award (CO).
The award is not given out every year. It is given out by Colorado Search and Rescue Board when a deserving candidate is brought to the attention of CSRB. An awards committee does all of the follow-up and then the award is given to the select few-deserving candidates.