Bird honored for his work

SANDPOINT — Famed North Idaho inventor and aviation expert Dr. Forrest Bird is once again being recognized for his vast body of work, and for the second time in a year he will travel to the nation’s capital for a White House awards ceremony.

Bird and three others were recently chosen as recipients of the 2008 National Medal of Technology and Innovation. First awarded in 1985, the medal is considered the highest honor for technological achievement in the United States, according to the U.S. Patent and Trademark office. Its purpose is to recognize those who have made lasting contributions to America’s competitiveness, standard of living, and quality of life through technological innovation.

Bird’s groundbreaking work in respiratory care, most notably with his invention of the Baby Bird ventilator, has earned him numerous accolades, including the Presidential Citizens Metal and a seat in the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Developed in 1970, the Baby Bird is credited with drastically lowering infant mortality rates among those suffering from respiration problems.

The award ceremony will be held on Oct. 7.