AWARD WINNING: Sam Ferguson accepts the John O. Blackbird Award for significant contributions to the AKC retriever hunt test program. 

THOMASVILLE- Samuel Ferguson of Tallahassee, Fla. received the John O. Blackbird Award for making significant contributions to the AKC retriever hunt test program through training and handling retrievers. The award was presented by the Master Amateur Retriever Club, a national AKC retriever club dedicated to the amateur handler.  

Ferguson was presented with a crystal plate award at a tailgate reception following the Tallahassee Hunting Retriever Club AKC Hunt Test in Thomasville, GA.  Ferguson said “he was deeply moved and surprised by this recognition. He was just doing what he loved.” Presenting the award on behalf of the Master Amateur Retriever Club was President Dr. Fred Nusbickel of Meigs, Ga. and MARC Board Member Francis C. Prendergast of Boston, MA. 

Dr. Daniel White of Bainbridge, Ga. and Secretary of the THRC mentioned Ferguson’s lifetime commitment to hunting and testing retrievers at the national level. Ferguson served on the Board of the AKC Master National Retriever Club for nine years and served as President in 2015. Ferguson trained seven Master Hunters, and has handled his Labradors in 15 Master National events and has two AKC Hall of Fame dogs. He is an AKC judge and has judged in 23 states.  Ferguson is a charter member of the AKC Master Amateur Retriever Club (MARC) and has participated in four MARC events. In addition to his commitment to these National AKC Clubs, Ferguson has been the longtime President of the Tallahassee Hunting Retriever Club. And in 2023 the Master National Event will be hosted by the Tallahassee Hunting Retriever Club of Thomasville, and the Wiregrass Hunting Retriever Club of Meigs. The event is set for October 26 through November 5 in the Boston, Ga. area.

Prendergast told the crowd of about 75 that Ferguson served in both Korea and Vietnam. He has been awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, the Vietnam Cross for Gallantry, and the Combat Infantry Badge with Commendations. He held the rank of Colonel and was the Deputy MACOM Commander of the 32^nd Anti-Aircraft Missile Defense Command for the Florida National Guard. Ferguson devoted the majority of his professional life to the field of adult education. In 1979, he began his career with the Florida State Board of Education where he was involved in the review and approval of Programs for Veterans’ Training.