OHIO FIRE COMMISSION HALL OF FAME AWARDS
Every year since 1980, the State Fire Commission has presented the state’s highest award for heroism to Ohio’s firefighters and citizens. The Commission also presents The Ohio Fire Service Distinguished Service Award to members of the fire service and the William L. Howard Public Service Award to members of the public sector. These awards are presented annually at the Hall of Fame Banquet in September.
For calendar year 2006, there were no nominations for the valor award, two nominations for the citizen’s award and one nomination for the Distinguished Service Award.
Keep in mind that the incident must have occurred during the calendar year 2007 and the application must be submitted between January 1st and May 31st. Then at the July meeting of the State Fire Commission, all applications will be reviewed and the recipients selected.
Because this is the state’s highest award for valor, the commission will be considering those candidates who have performed above and beyond the call of duty. Any firefighter or EMS provider may be nominated but the decision of the State Fire Commission as to individuals deserving the Ohio Service Valor Award will be final.
Here is a brief synopsis of the criteria of each award:
Ohio Fire Service Valor Award:
This award is conferred annually to members of the fire service in the State of Ohio who, at great personal risk to themselves, are credited with directly saving or attempting to save a life or lives during an extreme emergency situation above and beyond the normal line of duty.
State Fire Marshal’s Award for Heroism:
Frequently there are acts of bravery that go unnoticed or unappreciated. In September 2001, the State Fire Marshal’s Award for Heroism was established with the hope that we would be able to honor these unsung heroes and give them the proper recognition they deserve. These awards are presented to both members of the fire service and the general public who, at great personal risk, are credited with directly saving or attempting to save a life during extreme fire or other emergency rescue situations.
The State Fire Marshal’s Award for Heroism will augment the State Fire Commission’s annual Hall of Fame awards. The new awards will be given based on a nomination by a member of the fire service, state legislature or local government using a set of specific criteria. This award will allow the opportunity to recognize heroes on a more immediate basis as well as placing their names and actions in consideration for the Fire Commission’s annual citizen and firefighter awards. If selected by the Fire Commission for its Hall of Fame, a firefighter would receive an Ohio Fire Service Valor Award and a civilian would receive an Ohio Fire Service Citizen’s Award, the highest fire-related honors bestowed in our state.
Ohio Fire Service Citizen’s Award:
This award is conferred annually to members of the general public who, at great personal risk to themselves, are credited with directly saving or attempting to save a life or lives during an extreme fire or other emergency rescue situation. The award may be given to residents of any state for incidents occurring within the State of Ohio, and to residents of the State of Ohio for incidents occurring in any state.
Ohio Fire Service Distinguished Service Award
This award is conferred to outstanding individuals whose contributions to and leadership of the fire service within the State of Ohio have been a milestone in the development of those services; whose actions have served not just their community, but have contributed significantly to the fire service on a regional, statewide, and/or national basis; and, whose leadership and accomplishments in these areas are widely recognized and respected in the Ohio fire service.
William L. Howard Public Service Award
This award is conferred to outstanding individuals who are not members of the fire service, but who have during the course of their career or their lives, made significant contributions toward the furtherance of the fire service on a regional, statewide or national basis, and whose accomplishments and contributions in these areas are widely recognized and respected throughout the fire service in Ohio.
If you know of anyone on your or any other department, or in your community that qualifies, please nominate them. This is our way of getting the fire service in Ohio the recognition it deserves.
If you have any questions concerning these awards, please contact Arlene Cook at 888-252-0803 or the O.S.F.A Secretary/Treasurer at 800-825-6732. Nomination forms are also available on the State Fire Marshal’s website; click on Ohio Hall of Fame.
The O.S.F.A. has no affiliation with the State Fire Commission.