Florida Tech Alumnus Receives Skurla Award
MELBOURNE, FLA.—The Florida Institute of Technology College of Aeronautics has named David Allen Cruciger as the 2011 Skurla Award winner. Cruciger, a 1984 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in aviation, is an aviation interdiction agent for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at Homestead Air Reserve Base in South Florida. He is also a standardization instructor pilot for several aircrafts and is responsible for training and evaluation of all fixed-wing pilots in the CBP Miami Air and Marine Branch. Cruciger will receive his award at Florida Tech’s Homecoming Awards Gala on Nov. 5.
“David is at the top of the list of those professionals we would consider for this prestigious award. We are honored that he will be coming to campus to accept,” said Capt. Winston Scott, College of Aeronautics dean.
As a subject matter expert, Cruciger was instrumental in developing the program for operating the Bombardier DASH-8 aircraft in hostile environments. His program set the standards for DASH-8 crew training and proficiency, and the law enforcement tactics used in CBP Miami Air and Marine Branch operations.
Cruciger received numerous acknowledgements from the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Customs Service for his participation and contribution to the aviation enforcement efforts toward the seizure of illegal drugs, undocumented immigrants, smuggling vessels and arrests to protect U.S. borders.
In his spare time, Cruciger helps save lives by serving as an emergency medical technician first responder.
Instituted in 1996, the George M. Skurla Outstanding Alumni Award honors a Florida Techalumnus with a degree in aeronautics or aerospace engineering, and at least ten years ofexperience in the field. In addition, the recipient must possess a demonstrated commitmentand an exemplary record in advancing the aviation and aerospace industry.George M. Skurla, for whom the award is named, was a retired chairman and president ofGrumman Aerospace Corporation as well as a Florida Tech trustee and benefactor. He passed away in late 2001.
George M. Skurla Aeronautics Building at Florida Tech is pictured.
