Every year, the IAFC honors members of the fire and emergency service with a number of different awards, recognizing outstanding efforts in arenas such as fire-prevention practices, hazmat response, and firefighter health and safety, among others. The IAFC is now seeking nominations for the awards listed below. For nomination forms and more information about each award, go to www.iafc.org/awards.
International Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference Awards - The IAFC's Hazmat Response Committee issues three awards:
- IAFC Hazmat Committee Chairman's Award: This award recognizes an individual or organization, selected by the chair, that has supported the goals and objectives of the IAFC Hazmat Response Committee and has contributed to the advancement of the fire-service hazmat emergency response.
- Level A Award: The Level A Award honors individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the hazmat emergency-response profession.
- John M. Eversole Lifetime Achievement Award: The John M. Eversole Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 2007 to recognize an individual who has had an exceptionally distinguished career in the field of hazmat emergency response.
For eligibility and nomination guidelines, go to the Hazmat Response Committee Awards webpage or contact Assistant Chief Tim Butters (tbutters@fairfax.gov) or the IAFC's awards coordinator (awards@iafc.org).
Nominations must be received by April 25, 2008.
Safety, Health and Survival Section Awards - The Safety, Health and Survival Section Awards recognize both organizations and individuals who have made a significant contribution to the overall environment of health and safety in their organizations and the fire service:
- Alan Brunacini Fire Service Executive Safety Award: Cosponsored by Provident Insurance, this award is presented annually to the chief executive officer of a fire department (of any size or composition) who has demonstrated a unique commitment to fire service health and safety.
- Garry Briese IAFC Safety Performance Award: This award is presented annually to an IAFC/SHS member in recognition of personal commitment and achievement in the area of health and safety.
- Safety Officer of the Year: Cosponsored by the Fire Department Safety Officers Association, this award is presented annually to a safety officer in a fire department (of any size or composition) who has made a significant contribution to their organization and/or the fire service as a whole in the area of health and safety.
- Fire Service Organizational Safety Award: This award is presented annually to fire-service organizations (of any size or composition) that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment or significant contribution in the area of fire service health and safety. Fire departments, public agencies, private companies and other organizations that are affiliated with or sponsors of the IAFC may be considered for this award.
For eligibility and nomination guidelines, go to the Safety, Health & Survival Awards webpage or contact Vicki Lee, award coordinator, at 571-221-2813 or vlee@iafc.org.
Nominations must be received by June 1, 2008.
Excellence in Fire and Life Safety Award – Sponsored by the International Code Council (ICC), this award honors those who have dedicated themselves to saving lives and property through the development of codes, fire-prevention practices and leadership techniques. This award is presented annually during one of the general sessions at Fire-Rescue International. Nominees are not restricted to IAFC members, but you must be an IAFC member to submit a nomination.
For eligibility and nomination guidelines, go to the Excellence in Fire & Life Safety Award webpage or contact Joelle Fishkin, award coordinator, at 703-537-4843 or jfishkin@iafc.org.
Nominations must be received by June 2, 2008.
National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System Safety Leadership Award – The Near-Miss Leadership Award recognizes firefighters and fire departments that use the Near-Miss Reporting System as a part of their program to prevent line-of-duty deaths and injuries in their departments.
For more information, go to the Near-Miss Reporting System Leadership Award webpage or contact Amy Hultman at 703-537-4848 or ahultman@iafc.org.
Nominations must be received by July 11, 2008.
VCOS Retention and Recruitment Award – Sponsored by VFIS, this award honors the best retention and recruitment programs during the 2007 calendar year. Any IAFC/VCOS member can submit a nomination. All nominees must be IAFC/VCOS members.
For more information, go to the Volunteer & Combination Officers Section Awards webpage or contact Joelle Fishkin, award coordinator, at 703-537-4843 or jfishkin@iafc.org.
Nominations must be received by August 1, 2008.
Nominations for the Fire Service Award for Excellence and Ben Franklin Award for Valor still being accepted
The Fire Service Award for Excellence, cosponsored by U.S. Safety Fire Technologies, recognizes innovations and success in managing resources to reduce the loss of life and property from fire and other emergencies. Seven finalists for the award are recognized with limited edition plaques and the winner is presented with the grand award at Fire-Rescue International.
The International Benjamin Franklin Fire Service Award for Valor, sponsored by Motorola, recognizes the spirit of service, courage and heroism that is the tradition among the world's fire-service professionals. The award is presented at Fire-Rescue International to a deserving firefighter or firefighters for expert training, professional service and dedication to duty displayed in the saving of a human life.
