The nomination period is now open for the National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) four annual national fire service awards. The NVFC recognizes outstanding volunteer firefighters, junior firefighters, and junior firefighter programs through the Lifetime Achievement Award, Fire Prevention Award, Junior Firefighter of the Year Award, and Junior Firefighter Program of the Year Award. Nominations for all four awards are due Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011.

The NVFC Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Scott Health and Safety, recognizes a volunteer firefighter who has served at least 20 years and has made a major contribution or achieved significant accomplishments in the volunteer fire service at the local, state, and/or national level. The nominee must have demonstrated superior dedication to the volunteer fire service, been active in their state firefighters’ association, and have positively impacted the community through the fire service or other volunteer activities.

The NVFC Fire Prevention Award, sponsored by First Alert, honors a volunteer firefighter for remarkable efforts made in the area of fire prevention. The award was established in the memory of volunteer firefighter and NVFC board member Marc Mueller, who energetically promoted the causes of volunteer firefighters and supported all efforts to elevate the volunteer fire and emergency services to their highest level. Nominees must have made a major contribution or played a key role in a significant accomplishment in the field of fire prevention, demonstrated innovation in establishing and enacting goals and/or obtaining funding for the protection of the public through fire prevention and life safety programs, and have demonstrated success in the area of fire prevention.

The Junior Firefighter of the Year Award, sponsored by Tyco International, honors a junior firefighter or Explorer who has shown extraordinary dedication, commitment, and achievements as a youth member of the fire service. Nominees must have been a junior firefighter or Explorer for at least one year and have gone above and beyond in their participation and accomplishments as a junior firefighter. Two letters of recommendation are also required.

The Junior Firefighter Program of the Year, sponsored by Tyco International, recognizes a department that has an outstanding junior firefighter program. The program must have been in operation for at least one year, and departments must demonstrate creativity and community impact for the program.

The awards will be presented during a special banquet at the NVFC’s spring board meeting on April 5 in Alexandria, VA. Recipients will receive a trip to Alexandria to attend the award ceremony, a personalized award, and complimentary one-year membership in the NVFC, among other items.

Submit your nomination before the Feb. 1 deadline. Click here for full award criteria and nomination forms.