The Society of Fire Protection Engineers have recognized Maryland State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard as the 2006 SFPE Person of the Year. The annual award recognizes individuals outside the membership of SFPE for their achievements in fire protection.

“With [Fire Marshal Barnard’s] previous service with the Prince George’s County Fire Department and now as the Maryland State Fire Marshal, [he] has had a distinguished fire service career,” said SFPE Engineering Program Manager Chris Jelenewicz. “In both organizations Barnard innovatively used fire protection engineers to help build fire-safe communities. As a result of his foresight, the citizens of Maryland will be safer from fire.”

Past SFPE Person of the Year award recipients have included former FDNY Fire Chief Daniel A. Nigro and Federal Emergency Management Agency Director R. David Paulison. The award was first given in 1973.