THE BILL WALKER MEMORIAL AWARD

The Bill Walker Memorial Award was established in 1984 to recognize individuals of the Association that project the high standards and moral character that RICA member and past president Bill Walker exemplified throughout his career. Recipients of this award are those that have greatly contributed to the Railway Industrial Clearance Association, and is the highest honor bestowed by the Association to one of its members.

A bit of history and background on Mr. Walker as provided by Ed McCouch: "Bill’s father had been head of the clearance department for the Pennsylvania Railroad. Bill worked in the department, taking over as manager upon his father’s retirement. Bill was one of the finest gentlemen one could ever meet. He was extremely willing to help and highly knowledgeable. If you contacted Bill about a clearance load, you had a guarantee that he would check it out and do whatever was possible to work it out and develop a solution to move the load. He was a clearance man’s clearance man. He did so much for the Association in the early years that is truly fitting we utilize his name to remember other members who further the goals and ideals of RICA. Bill served as a Director, Vice President and President”.

Members are encouraged to present a nominee in writing to any officer, director or committee chair which in turn is presented to the RICA Chairman Ex-Officio. The Ex-Officio selects two members from the General Membership who serve as the committee to make the final selection on a yearly basis. At the board meeting prior to the Annual General Membership Meeting, this committee advises the officers that an individual(s) has been selected. In some years there have been no nominees, thence no award.

Bill Walker Memorial Award Recipients:

THE HERITAGE AWARD

Established in 2009, this award is given to a member, active or retired, who has shown throughout their membership, continued dedication to the RICA organization at the highest level. Candidates for this award are nominated by the membership as part of the RICA annual survey, or as otherwise determined by the Board.

Heritage Award Recipients:

THE PRESIDENT'S AWARD

The President Award is given at the President's discretion to an individual(s) in appreciation for contributions and efforts to the organization.

The President's Award Recipients:

THE SERVICE AWARD

The Service Awards are given annually to acknowledge the nation's best and most improved Railroads and Ports.

The Service Award Recipients:

THE UNSUNG HERO AWARD

The Unsung Hero Award is given to individuals who have worked behind the scenes in support of our organization. These individuals work tirelessly throughout the year to assist the Board of Directors in many ways and ensure the annual conference is a success.