Associated Press - October 8, 2009 8:14 AM ET

SANDPOINT, Idaho (AP) - A northern Idaho inventor whose mobile medical respirators have helped save the lives of thousands is being honored for his contributions to science.

Dr. Forrest Bird, from Sagle, received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation - America's highest honor for technological achievement - on Wednesday in Washington, D.C.

Bird began developing ventilators in the 1950s, helping prolong the lives of those suffering from acute and chronic cardiopulmonary conditions.

Bird, who also received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Bush in 2008, was a World War II-era pilot who flew many aircraft, including early jets.

He still maintains a production facility that employs 25 people outside of Sandpoint, where respirators are assembled. It is also the location of the Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.