Many will recall that the Fire Chief of the Year program was administered for many years by the former FIRE CHIEF magazine. The award dates to 1996 and was presented each year by FIRE CHIEF magazine at Fire-Rescue International.
After FIRE CHIEF stopped publishing about 5 years ago, Praetorian Digital (FireRescue1.com) purchased the FIRE CHIEF publication brand while the IAFC assumed control of the Fire Chief of the Year program. Pierce Manufacturing became the exclusive program sponsor and Praetorian Digital was named the program's media partner.
Recently, we’ve noticed a deficiency in the number of nominations received for volunteer chiefs compared to career chiefs. This year, with the May 20 deadline fast-approaching, the IAFC wants to make a special appeal for those of you who know a great volunteer fire chief. Please submit a nomination and encourage others to do so.
For the purposes of this program, a volunteer fire chief is defined as one who earns his or her principal livelihood by some means other than serving as a fire chief, even if the position of chief carries some compensation.
Nominations will be accepted through the online nomination form from any division, section or member of the IAFC. In addition, nominations will be accepted from members of any state association of fire chiefs and other designated fire service organizations. For a complete list of authorized nominating organizations and other award criteria information, visit the IAFC's Fire Chief of the Year webpage.
All of a nominee's fire service activities and accomplishments will be considered. Special emphasis will be placed on the period from 2015 through 2017. A nominee's command role at a major emergency incident, while relevant, will not be enough to place that individual into contention for the award.
The winners will be announced on Tuesday, August 7 and honored on Thursday, August 9 during the general session at Fire-Rescue International (FRI) in Dallas, Texas.
View past Fire Chief of the Year winners.
Jim Philipps is the IAFC's assistant director of strategic communications and the IAFC's awards coordinator.