One oversees 29 separate areas collectively covering 30 million square feet on foreign soil. Another has spent his entire life in a small town in northern Connecticut. One must contend with fuel storage facilities, naval vessels and a work force made up partly of Japanese citizens.

The other must contend with urban sprawl replacing farmland, spotty water supply and finding a way to build a much-needed fire station. Yet they share a passion for their profession that's won them the respect of their peers and this year's Fire Chief of the Year award.

2007 Career Chief of the Year Russell Tarver.

2007 Volunteer Chief of the Year Michael Varney