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State Fire Chief of the Year

The KSAFC Fire Chief of the Year award is awarded to a chief who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication in leading their department and serving their community. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the firefighting profession and have had a positive impact on the safety and well-being of their community. Fire chiefs who have shown exemplary performance in areas such as planning, community engagement, emergency response effectiveness, and resource management are prime candidates for such recognition. Additionally, those who have displayed a commitment to professionalism, safety, and the development of their personnel should also be considered for this prestigious honor.

To nominate a fire chief for this award, please include in your narrative examples to the following points as it pertains to your nomination:

Leadership Excellence: Demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, guiding the fire department with vision, integrity, and effectiveness. 

Emergency Response Effectiveness: Demonstrated exceptional performance in managing emergency incidents, ensuring prompt, coordinated, and effective responses to fires, accidents, and other emergencies. 

Resource Management: Effectively managed departmental resources, including personnel, equipment, and budget, to optimize operational capabilities and fiscal responsibility. 

Interagency Collaboration: Worked collaboratively with other emergency response agencies, government entities, and community stakeholders to enhance coordination and mutual aid capabilities. 

Professional Reputation and Impact: Built a positive reputation for the fire department through exemplary service, professionalism, and contributions to the broader firefighting community. 

Strategic Planning: Implemented effective strategic plans to enhance the overall performance, efficiency, and readiness of the fire department. 

Innovation and Adaptability: Introduced innovative approaches, technologies, or initiatives to address emerging challenges and improve firefighting capabilities. 

Community Engagement: Fostered strong relationships with the community through outreach programs, public education, and collaborative initiatives to enhance fire prevention and safety awareness. 

Professional Development: Prioritized the professional development and well-being of department personnel through training, mentorship, and support programs. 

Commitment to Safety: Prioritized firefighter and public safety through the implementation of comprehensive safety protocols, procedures, and training initiatives. 

State Fire Chief of the Year Award Criteria (PDF for download - KSAFC-State-Fire-Chief-of-the-Year.pdf)


NOMINATIONS

Nomination Form: State Fire Chief of the Year Nomination Form

Nomination Deadline: September 30th 

Please complete the above PDF Nomination Form and submit it by the deadline to ksafcawards@gmail.com.

If you do not receive a confirmation of your nomination on or before September 30th, please email

PREVIOUS STATE FIRE CHIEF OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS

YEAR

RECIPIENT

 2025 
 2024 

 2023

Chief Tim Smith, Tonganoxie Township

2022

Chief Robert McLemore, Colby

2021

No recipient 

2020

All Kansas Chiefs – For Covid Response

2019

Chief Rob Boyd, Ford County

2018

Chief Allen Shelton, Garden City

2017

Chief David Redger, Ashland

2016

Chief Mike Napolitano, Great Bend

2015

Chief Lester Kaiser, Marion County

2014

Chief Larry Eberle, Trego County

2013

Chief Larry Ellis, Comanche County

2012

Chief Dick Klaus, Ellis County

2011

Chief Ken Leu, Harper

2010

Chief Jim VanSchaick, Halstead

2009

Chief Ron Blackwell, Wichita

2008

Chief Howard Giles, Topeka

2007

Chief Dick Goodrum, Mayfield 

2006

Chief Alec Hrabe, Stockton 

2005

No recipient 

2004

Chief Bill Walker, Coffey County

2003

Chief James McSwain, Lawrence

2002

Chief John Lloyd, Wellington

2001

Chief Eddie Moore, Arkansas City

2000

Chief Warren Hanks, Bonner Springs

1999

Chief Bill Scott, Pittsburg

1998

Chief Buck Hartley, Shawnee

1997

Chief Jim Keating, St. Mary's




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