| Award Criteria Two awards will be presented: one for a career fire chief and one for a volunteer fire chief. 1. A volunteer fire chief is defined as one who earns his or her principal livelihood by some means other than serving as a fire chief, even if the position of chief carries some compensation. 2. A career fire chief is defined as one who earns his or her principal livelihood as a fire chief. In each category, the status of the fire department as a whole — paid, volunteer or combination — is not considered. Individuals who are eligible for nomination and selection as Fire Chief of the Year are limited to active chiefs of departments at the time the award is presented. Selection criteria will emphasize leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, service to the public and contributions to the fire service as a whole. All a nominee's fire service activities and accomplishments will be considered, but, because this is the Fire Chief of the Year award, special emphasis will be placed on the period from June 2022 through June 2023. A nominee's command role at a major emergency incident, while relevant, will not be enough to place that individual into contention for the award. A cover letter on the nominating organization's letterhead, describing in less than 1200 words the nominee's major accomplishments and why the candidate is being nominated. Selection Process Each nomination form and supporting documentation will be reviewed by the Executive Director of the Kentucky Association of Fire Chiefs and the Executive Board of Directors. The Executive Board reserves the right to omit an award. PRESENTATION Winners will be announced at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Leadership Conference in Bowling Green on August 23. DEADLINE Deadline- All nomination material must be received by August 1, 2023 |
