WSFCA Chief of the Year Award
Recognizing outstanding fire chiefs whose leadership, dedication, and contributions have made a lasting impact on their departments, communities, and the fire service.
2026 Nominations Are Closed
The nomination period for the 2026 WSFCA Chief of the Year Award closed on May 22, 2026.
The award criteria and nomination requirements below remain available for reference. Information regarding future nomination opportunities will be announced when available.
About the Award
The criteria for the Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association (WSFCA) Chief of the Year Award are based on those used by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). As an IAFC-recognized nominating organization, WSFCA submits its Chief of the Year Award winners for consideration for the IAFC Chief of the Year Award.
Award Categories
Career Fire Chief
A career fire chief is an individual who earns their principal livelihood by serving as a fire chief.
Volunteer Fire Chief
A volunteer fire chief earns their principal livelihood through means other than serving as a fire chief, even if the chief position includes some compensation.
WSFCA considers one award in each category annually. The overall staffing model of the nominee's fire department (career, volunteer, or combination) does not determine eligibility for either category.
Award Criteria
- Nominees must be active fire chiefs. Previous Fire Chief of the Year Award recipients are not eligible.
- Selection criteria emphasize leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, service to the public, and contributions to the fire service as a whole.
- All fire service activities and accomplishments are considered, with special emphasis placed on the preceding three-year period.
- Although a nominee's command role during a major emergency incident may be considered, that role alone is not sufficient for award selection.
- Nominating organizations must notify their candidate and confirm their willingness to participate in the selection processes for both the WSFCA and IAFC Chief of the Year Awards.
Nomination Requirements
For reference, nominations are submitted using the official nomination form and must include the following supporting materials.
Official Nomination Form
Complete the official nomination form. This is a career achievement award rather than recognition for one specific incident.
Cover Letter
Include a cover letter on the nominating organization's letterhead describing the nominee's major accomplishments and reasons for nomination in fewer than 1,000 words.
Nominee Photograph
Provide a high-resolution digital photograph of the nominee.
Resume & Supporting Documents
Include a current resume or curriculum vitae detailing the nominee's fire service involvement. Up to three additional supporting documents may be provided, such as awards, newspaper articles, or letters from elected or appointed officials. Submitted materials will not be returned.
Important Nomination Policy
No politicking is permitted. The nomination form and supporting documents constitute the entire documentation for a candidate's nomination. Neither the nominee nor anyone representing the nominee may contact WSFCA staff, directors, or members of the nomination or selection committee after submission and before final selection.
Violations may result in disqualification. WSFCA is not responsible for submissions received after the deadline because of shipping or electronic errors.
Selection & Recognition
Selection Process: Each nomination package is reviewed by a selection committee to determine award recipients. WSFCA reserves the right not to present an award in a given category.
Award Recognition: Winners are announced at the WSFCA Annual Conference during the President's Dinner and featured in an issue of Wisconsin Fire Chief magazine.
IAFC Consideration: WSFCA Chief of the Year Award winners are nominated for consideration by the International Association of Fire Chiefs Chief of the Year Award Committee.
2026 Nomination Information
2026 Nomination Deadline: May 22, 2026
Nominations for 2026 are closed.
