Award Information

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Award Criteria

Two awards will be presented in 2012; one for a career fire chief and one for a volunteer fire chief.

• 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.
• A career fire chief is defined as one who earns his or her principal livelihood as a fire chief.
• In each category, the status of the fire department as a whole — paid, volunteer or combination — is not considered.
• Individuals who are eligible for nomination and selection as Fire Chief of the Year are limited to active chiefs of departments. Previous Fire Chief of the Year winners are not eligible.
• Selection criteria will emphasize leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, service to the public and contributions to the fire service as a whole.
• All of a nominee's fire service activities and accomplishments will be considered, but, because this is the Fire Chief of the Year award, special emphasis will be placed on the period from mid-2006 through 2009. 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.

Nominating Organizations

One nomination in each category will be accepted from:

• International Association of Fire Chiefs' eight Regional Divisions
• IAFC's EMS Section
• National Society of Executive Fire Officers
• International Association of Women in Fire & Emergency Services
• IAFC Volunteer & Combination Chief Officers Section

Any state association of career and volunteer chiefs as members may submit in each category.

One nomination in the career category will be accepted from:

• IAFC Metro Chiefs
• IAFC Industrial Fire & Safety Section
• Federal/Military Sections
• International Association of Fire Fighters
• International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters
• National Association of Hispanic Fire Fighters

One nomination in either category will be accepted from:

• Congressional Fire Services Institute
• Center for Public Safety Excellence
• International Assn. Of Arson Investigators
• Native American Fire Chiefs Association

One nomination in the volunteer category will be accepted from:

• National Volunteer Fire Council
• Any state association of volunteer fire chiefs

One nomination from previous Chief of the Year Winners:

• Previous winners may nominate one chief and are not limited to their own winning category.

Beginning April 5, 2012, and ending on June 15, 2012, nominations will be accepted from individual fire and emergency departments that can support extraordinary efforts of a fire chief who, due to local or regional circumstances, has had a significant impact in a department and community. Recognition of these nominations will be duly considered in the Fire Chief of the Year Award.

All nominations must be comply with criteria below.

Nomination Process

Nominations may be submitted through organizations listed on FIRE Chief's Web site. Organizations are also responsible for notifying its candidate and ensure that he/she is willing to participate in our final selection process. Previous Fire Chief of the Year winners are not eligible.

Nomination format

(Nominations may be sent electronically to: janet@firechief.com)

Four steps to prepare the 2012 official entry form:

1. Complete the official nomination form. Remember, this is a lifetime achievement award, not one specific incident.
2. Cover letter on the organization's letterhead, signed by the organization's chairperson, president or executive director, describing in less than 1200 words the nominee's major accomplishments and why the candidate is being nominated.
3. High-resolution digital photo of the nominee. Please provide as a CD or email attachment.
4. Current résumé or CV detailing the candidate's involvement in the fire service. Limit of three other documents supporting the candidate's nomination, such as copies of award, newspaper articles, or letters of recommendation from appropriate elected or appointed officials. (Items will not be returned)

No politicking is permitted. The nomination form and supporting documents comprise the entire documentation for a candidate's nomination. Neither the nominee nor anyone representing him or her is to contact the editorial staff or any member(s) of the Editorial Advisory Board once the nomination has been made and before the final selection has been made. Any violations of this will subject the nominee to disqualification.

FIRE CHIEF is not responsible for submissions received past the deadline due to shipping or electronic errors.

Selection Process

Each nomination packages will be reviewed by FIRE CHIEF's Editorial Advisory Board to select the winners. FIRE CHIEF reserves the right to omit an award. Winners will be announced at the IAFC's Fire-Rescue International on Friday, August 4, in Denver, and be featured in the August FIRE CHIEF.

Nomination Deadline

Deadline for nomination packages or electronic files to be received by June 15, 2012 at FIRE CHIEF's editorial offices:

By e-mail to: janet@firechief.com

Or sent to:
FIRE CHIEF/Penton Media
Attn: Janet Wilmoth, Editorial Director
330 N. Wabash
Suite 2300
Chicago IL 60611