Lynn Thatcher was the first Sanitary Engineer in the State of Utah. He was a graduate from MIT and worked for the State Department of Health for 30 years before his retirement in 1978.

Lynn was responsible for all the environmental health programs in the state at the time when there were only four or five local health departments. This bureau covered programs such as drinking water, wastewater, swimming pools and food service inspections. Lynn assigned state personnel to districts who traveled throughout the state to perform the necessary health inspections.

Lynn was instrumental in getting the Water Pollution Control Act passed in the State of Utah in the 1950s. This act put teeth into the rules and regulations for water quality programs. This led to the construction of wastewater treatment facilities to replace direct sewage discharge into the creeks and streams. Under Lynn's leadership, Utah was known as a leader in water pollution control.

Lynn wasn't afraid to stand up for what he believed in, no matter what the political consequences. He was a great administrator, showed no favoritism and treated everyone the same.

Lynn was the Executive Secretary of the Water Pollution Control Board for about 17 years. Many of the Environmental health programs that exist today is a result of the courage that Lynn Thatcher had because of his conviction to do what he felt was right for public health in the State of Utah.

(Information from an interview of Cal Sudwicks by Phil Wright) 

This award has been established to honor someone outside the Association who has made a significant contribution to the field of Environmental Health.