National Weather Service honors 35-year observer

Scott Mentzer, meteorologist in charge of the Goodland, Kan., National Weather Service office, left, presents Cloyd F. Hoyt of rural McCook with a plaque honoring Hoyt's 35 years of volunteer service to the NWS. (Courtesy photo)

The National Weather Service honored a McCook man recently for providing information for 35 years.

Cloyd F. Hoyt of rural McCook was presented an award June 23 for 35 years of service to the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Observers Program, providing depth measurements along the Republican River.

Scott Mentzer, meteorologist in charge of the Goodland, Kan., National Weather Service office, presented Hoyt with a certificate and lapel pin during a luncheon in McCook. Mentzer was assisted in the presentation by Mike Lammers, observation program leader, and Christina Henderson, hydrometeorological technician.

Mentzer said that Hoyt is part of the most important and valuable climatological, hydrological and environmental monitoring network in the world. Every year, more than 11,700 dedicated volunteers from all walks of life record daily weather related information, he said.

Reports from "Cooperative Observers" such as Hoyt are extremely important in forecasting and warnings issued by the National Weather Service, Mentzer said. The data are used in numerical models and help confirm the strength of severe storms in real time. Their service is a vital role in the National Weather Service's mission of protecting life and property through warnings, he said.

Data from volunteers is also applied to architecture, agriculture, commerce, engineering, aviation, industry and litigation.

The NWS estimates that the combined time that Cooperative Observers donate totals more than a million hours a year, making the NWS's Cooperative Observers Program one of the most cost-effective government sponsored programs.

Mentzer said that the success of the climatological program is due in great measure to conscientious individuals like Hoyt. "His records enable the National Weather Service to provide an effective, unbiased climatology service to the nation," he said. "Without the efforts of Cooperative Observers, knowledge of the many climates of the United States would be incomplete."

He continued, "The services Hoyt preformed for the last 35 years four miles southwest of McCook are in the highest tradition of our American heritage. America's strength as a nation has always depended on citizens who understand the value of hard work and commitment. His steadfast devotion serves as an important example of caring and leadership by Nebraska citizens."