The NVFC Fire Prevention Award, sponsored by AmeriHost Inns, annually honors a volunteer firefighter who exemplifies the philosophy of fire prevention. The award will be presented at the NVFC Spring Meeting in Washington, DC on May 7, 2004.

To be considered for the award, nominees must be volunteer firefighters and must meet a majority of the following criteria:

Nominees must have made a major contribution or have played a key role in a significant accomplishment in the field of fire prevention.
Nominees must have demonstrated superior efforts in establishing goals for the protection of the public through a continuous promulgation and/or enforcement of outstanding fire prevention, fire protection or life safety programs in their communities.
Nominees may have developed or enforced a specific piece of legislation resulting in increased fire safety.
Nominees may have developed or taught a specific program resulting in public awareness of the need for a fire-safe environment.
Nominees may have investigated, arrested or supervised an enforcement effort which led to the conviction of a Penal or Fire Code violator.

The Award was established in the memory of volunteer firefighter, Marc Mueller, who energetically promoted the causes of volunteer firefighters and supported all efforts to elevate the volunteer program to its highest level. He dedicated much of his life to public service and made major strides to bring prestige, credibility and recognition to volunteer firefighters nationwide. The NVFC and AmeriHost Inns present the award as a tribute to outstanding volunteerism and community service performed through the fire service.

The selection of the NVFC Fire Prevention Award of Excellence recipient will be determined through a nationwide nomination process. Nominations must be received by March 1, 2004. The nomination form can be found on the NVFC website at www.nvfc.org/award_fpa_nominationform.html