At Fire-Rescue International 2005 in Denver this week, the names of the best and brightest were singled out for awards from an estimated 16,000 leaders of emergency services organizations from around the world. I had the great pleasure to call three people up to the podium for awards sponsored by FIRE CHIEF magazine.

The Emergency Vehicle Technician of the Year: At the IAFC Apparatus Maintenance Section Workshop, I presented EVT of the Year to Robert Heraver of the Gurnee (Ill.) Fire Department. Gurnee Fire Chief Fred Friedl nominated Heraver and accompanied him to the award presentation. The board of the Apparatus Maintenance Section selected Heraver for his dedication and commitment to the safety of his department's fleet and the time he invested in the EVT certification and continuing education.

Steve Polk, nominated by Chief Ray Knight of the Garland (Texas) Fire Department, and Mark Brochtrup of Coppell, Texas, nominated by David Williams of the Texas Association of Emergency Vehicle Technicians, were the two other deserving finalists for EVT of the Year. Some 50 emergency vehicle technicians who attended the workshop are also due recognition for their dedication to taking fire apparatus shops and specifications to the highest level.

The 2005 Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year: I presented this trophy to Fire Chief Shane Ray of Pleasant View (Tenn.) Fire Department. I first met Chief Ray on a conference call for a recent article. He is soft-spoken, but when he speaks he shows wisdom far beyond his years. Among the letters nominating him was one from Tennessee House Representative Jim Cooper, who wrote, "Chief Ray is a proactive leader .... and has made me aware of many fire service issues...I am better prepared to make informed decisions because he took the time to share with me during my recent congressional campaign."

The 2005 Career Fire Chief of the Year: Chief Richard "Smokey" Dyer of the Kansas City (Mo.) Fire Department received the trophy. A former IAFC president, Chief Dyer is an extraordinary individual and a dedicated leader in the American fire service. Smokey's enthusiasm for raising the standards of the fire service has earned him the respect and loyalty of his peers and those who have served with him. On behalf of the IAFC's Missouri Valley Division, Chief Steve Westermann wrote, "The high standard of professional and ethical conduct displayed by Chief Dyer has been instrumental in the development of regional programs and evident in the cooperation and efforts to promote departmental partnerships."

The Emergency Vehicle Technician of the Year award and the Fire Chief of the Year Awards serve to focus on the qualities and dedication of committed individuals. While it may be their "15 minutes of fame" as Andy Warhol said years ago, I believe that 15 or 10 or 5 minutes in the spotlight is a big pat on the back. It also recognizes many late nights, budget cuts, doing more with less and aching backs. Each award is an opportunity for a department and a community to look at the individuals who are dedicated and committed to making a difference, whether as fire chief or as shop technician.

One nomination letter said it best when it concluded, "Thank you for the creation of this award that provides us the opportunity to see such a deserving leader recognized for his efforts."

At FIRE CHIEF, we're grateful for people who give 110% to the job and to those who put in the time and effort to nominate them. Please join us in congratulating our winners and look for more detailed profiles on them in upcoming issues of the magazine.

Janet Wilmoth, Editor