The Governor’s Fire Service Awards were established in 2002 as a formal recognition of excellence in Virginia’s Fire Services. The awards are presented annually to recipients in eight categories. Each award has its own criteria. Nominations are accepted in each category, which are then reviewed, scored and selected for recommendation by the Executive Committee of the Virginia Fire Services Board. The recommendations are forwarded to the Governor through the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security for final approval. The awards are then presented each February at the annual Virginia Fire Chiefs Association Expo and Symposium. This allows awards to be presented formally before the recipient’s peers.
NOMINATION INFORMATION
Everyone is encouraged to submit nominations for the Governor’s Fire Service Awards program. Nominations must be completed utilizing the following nomination form by December 31, 2021. The person making the nomination should have knowledge of the nominee’s qualifications and should carefully select the category that most appropriately matches the nominee’s qualifications.
Questions should be directed to (804) 371-0220.
CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR AWARDS
GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN VIRGINIA FIRE SERVICES
CRITERIA: An individual or organization that exemplifies an outstanding dedication to helping protect the citizens of Virginia against the devastating effects of fire, not only in their own jurisdictions, but in other areas of the Commonwealth. Individual/organization that demonstrate exceptional dedication to sound management principles and excellence in fire service leadership in their department and within Virginia.
ELIGIBILITY: Any individual or organization belonging to a recognized municipal, state or DOD Fire Department, or assigned to a suppression force or team working directly for the Commonwealth of Virginia or the United States Federal Government working within the Commonwealth of Virginia.
GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN VIRGINIA COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION
CRITERIA: An individual or organization that exemplifies outstanding dedication and service for the furtherance of Virginia Public Fire & Life Safety Education not only in their own department, but in other areas of the Commonwealth as well. An individual or organization that exhibits exceptional commitment to the field of fire prevention; to include the adoption, amendment or interpretation of the Statewide Fire Prevention Code, Statewide Building Code, other related codes or fire prevention principles that would impact not only their own jurisdiction but other localities as well.
ELIGIBILITY: Any individual or organization belonging to a recognized municipal, state or DOD Fire Department, or assigned to a suppression force or team working directly for the Commonwealth of Virginia or for the United States Federal Government working within the Commonwealth of Virginia, and are engaged in Virginia Public Fire & Life Safety Education.
GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN VIRGINIA’S FIRE SERVICE TRAINING
CRITERIA: Any individual or organization providing lesson plans, support or delivery of programs within the Commonwealth which are fire service related.
ELIGIBILITY: Any instructor belonging to a recognized municipal, state or DOD Fire Department, or assigned to a suppression force or team working directly for the Commonwealth of Virginia or for the United States Federal Government, or organization working within the Commonwealth of Virginia.
GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONSE
CRITERIA: Any outstanding Fire Department Response made in the last year, that demonstrates mutual aid, integration of multiple system components, interagency interfacing and cooperation, or complex assessment or rescue. The nomination must include a copy of the VFIRS report.
ELIGIBILITY: Any fire service organization.
GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR PRIVATE SECTOR EXCELLENCE IN VIRGINIA FIRE SERVICE SUPPORT
CRITERIA: Any private sector or nonprofit entity that has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the success of Virginia Fire Services throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
ELIGIBILITY: Any private sector or nonprofit organization.
GOVERNOR’S CIVILIAN EXCELLENCE IN VIRGINIA FIRE SERVICE SUPPORT
CRITERIA: Any civilian or organization, with no fire service affiliation or are administrative professionals, fire corps volunteers and other policy makers who exemplify an outstanding dedication to helping protect the citizens of Virginia against the devastating effects of fire.
ELIGIBILITY: Any citizen or organization, with no fire service affiliation, or administrative professionals, fire corps volunteers and other policy makers within the Commonwealth of Virginia
GOVERNOR’S VIRGINIA FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR
CRITERIA: Any paid or volunteer firefighter that exhibits outstanding work within his/her own department to enhance fire safety for the citizens they serve.
ELIGIBILITY: Any paid or volunteer firefighter within the Commonwealth of Virginia.
GOVERNOR’S VIRGINIA FIRE CHIEF OF THE YEAR
CRITERIA: Any paid or volunteer fire chief that exhibits leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, along with superior service to the public and a high level of contributions to the fire service as a whole.
ELIGIBILITY: Any paid or volunteer fire chief within the Commonwealth of Virginia.