The Congressional Fire Services Institute’s Board of Directors has chosen Chief Russ Sanders to receive the 2019 CFSI/Motorola Solutions Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award.
The official award presentation will take place during the 31st Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on April 25, 2019 in Washington, D.C.
Public Safety And Prevention
VFIS Executive Vice President Dr. Bill Jenaway noted, “Russ Sanders has distinguished himself on so many levels and in so many areas within the fire and emergency services. He has made significant contributions in the areas of public safety and prevention, research, codes and standards and leadership. Like the late Mason Lankford, he has dedicated his career to building and stronger and safer profession for all who serve. The CFSI Board of Directors congratulates him and looks forward to honoring him on April 25, 2019.”
He has served as a member of the fire and emergency services since 1967
Chief Sanders has certainly earned this honor. He has served as a member of the fire and emergency services since 1967 and has been a member of the Louisville, Kentucky Fire Department for more than 27 years running. For nine of those years, he served as chief, and worked hand-in-hand with local city officials to pass important legislation mandating that all unsprinklered high-rise buildings throughout the city be retrofitted to offer automatic sprinkler protection. After its approval, this measure undoubtedly had a significant impact.
National And International Organizations
During his lengthy career, Chief Sanders has also served in important leadership positions for various national and international organizations and committees. He spent time as:
- Executive Secretary of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association
- President of the United States Delegation to the Comite Technique Internationale de Prevention and D’Extinction de Feu
- NFPA representative to the European Fire Service
- National Fire Chiefs Council of the United Kingdom, Institution of Fire Engineers, Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council and the Global Fire Service Leadership Alliance
VFIS would like to sincerely congratulate Chief Sanders on his accomplishments and this award, and to deeply thank him for his dedication and commitment to the fire service, which as undoubtedly made an impact on many lives.