Two awards will be presented in 2009 — one to a career fire chief and one to 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.

Fire Chief of the Year nominations are limited to active chiefs of departments. Previous 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 special emphasis will be placed on activities from mid-2005 through 2008.

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.