Max L. Spray was an internationally known consultant in the emergency health and rescue fields. He served as the Executive Director of IRECA from 1956 to 1963. He was the inaugurating editor, in 1957, of the International Rescuer. Prior to his retirement in 1973, Mr. Spray served in various capacities in the Division of Emergency Health Services, US Public Health Service and the American Red Cross. He also owned his own Public Relations and Advertising Firm and was a veteran editor and newsman for the Ashland Kentucky Daily for over 10 years. Mr. Spray died on May 14, 1977 at the age of 73 years old.

The Max Spray award is given to an association member who has demonstrated a commitment to serving the association. Annually the President has the responsibility of choosing one person who has done the most to further the goals of the association over the past year.