CFSI Awards and Registration for Annual Symposium and Dinner

On March 18 and 19, the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) will host its 36th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner will be held in Washington D.C., bringing together leaders from fire and emergency services nationwide to pay tribute to the dedication and bravery of our nation’s fire and emergency personnel. Seize this chance to network, gain knowledge, and honor achievements at one of the fire service community's most esteemed events!

2026 Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award 

The 2026 Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award will go to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network. The award, which bears the name of the late Senator Paul S. Sarbanes of Maryland, honors fire departments and organizations for their exceptional contributions to the health and safety of firefighters. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Congressional Fire Services Institute are co-sponsors of the award. The 36th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, DC, on March 19, 2026, will host the award ceremonies.

The Doing It Right Cancer Awareness and Prevention Program, a thorough in-person and online training program aimed at lowering cancer risk in the fire service, is the reason the Firefighter Cancer Support Network is being recognized. The program outlines precise responsibilities and doable actions for leaders and firefighters to lower exposure and improve long-term occupational health.

CFSI President Jim Estepp and NFFF Board Chair Troy Markel issued a joint statement recognizing the Firefighter Cancer Support Network for their achievements. “The Firefighter Cancer Support Network has been a tireless champion for the health and well-being of firefighters. The Doing It Right Cancer Awareness and Prevention Program reflects the impact of that leadership and commitment.”

VFIS and the Fire Safety Research Institute of the UL Research Institutes are acknowledged by CFSI and NFFF for their corporate support of the award. With their help, this distinguished award can be given to fire service organizations in recognition of their contributions to firefighter health and safety.

For more details about the 36th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner, go to cfsi.org. The annual program will be attended by over 1,500 officials in fire and emergency services across the country.

2026 Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award

It is with great pride that the CFSI and Motorola Solutions award the 2026 CFSI/Motorola Solutions Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award to Bill Webb, the former Executive Director of CFSI. On March 19, 2026, at the 36th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner, the award will be given out.

During his thirty years as executive director of CFSI, Webb's strategic leadership and steadfast advocacy helped to strengthen the fire service's position on Capitol Hill. His work strengthened firefighter safety, operational readiness, and the well-being of the communities they serve by securing and maintaining national priorities including the United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). He is also an honorary member of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 36, the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter's Association, and the Vienna, Virginia Volunteer Fire Department. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

“Bill Webb’s over 30 years of leadership transformed how the fire service is represented and supported at the national level,” said CFSI President Jim Estepp. “The Mason Lankford Award is a fitting tribute to his unwavering advocacy, strategic vision, and lifelong commitment to advancing firefighter safety and strengthening communities – qualities that led my fellow board members and me to select him as the 2026 recipient.”

2026 Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Award

The Tulsa, OK, Fire Department will receive the 2026 Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Award from the CFSI and Masimo in recognition of their advancements in emergency medical care. On March 19, 2026, in Washington, DC, at the 36th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner, the award will be given out.

The Tulsa Fire Department was chosen because of its software-enabled partnerships and data-sharing agreements to address the high number of 9-1-1 calls and ER visits caused by social and health-related demands. Beyond emergency response, the Tulsa Fire Department links people to the appropriate resources by integrating coordinated care navigation with mobile integrated healthcare teams. 9-1-1 calls from enrolled customers have decreased by 74 percent since 2024, and the ED has consistently experienced a 50 percent decline in calls.

“By breaking down data silos and working with community partners, this program allows the Tulsa Fire Department to move beyond emergency response and deliver real, lasting solutions”, said CFSI President Jim Estepp. “I congratulate the Tulsa Fire Department for developing an innovative EMS program that encompasses the future of how communities and fire-based EMS systems work together to improve public health.”

“On behalf of Masimo Americas, we are honored to sponsor the Congressional Fire Services Institute Award for Excellence in Fire-Based EMS”, said Andy Jones, Senior Vice President of US Alternate Care. “We commend the many departments that submitted strong applications for consideration by the CFSI Board. Innovation is central to Masimo’s mission, and we are proud to support and celebrate excellence in fire-based EMS. We value our continued partnership with the Congressional Fire Services Institute and extend our congratulations to the Tulsa Fire Department on receiving the CFSI Award for Excellence in Fire-Based EMS.”

2026 CFSI/IFSTA Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education

It is with great pride that the CFSI and the International Fire Service Training Association/Fire Protection Publications/Oklahoma State University (IFSTA) present the 2026 CFSI/IFSTA Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education to the late Harold R. Mace. Individuals who have made exceptional lifetime contributions to fire safety education at the national level are honored with this medal.

Mace served as the emeritus director of Fire Protection Publications (FPP) and the previous executive director of IFSTA. His strong advocacy for fire safety education, which began in 1974, contributed to the institutionalization and legitimacy of fire safety education as a primary fire service objective across the country. He published the first fire safety education textbook and spearheaded fire safety conferences that encouraged networking and resource sharing.

“The late Harold R. Mace’s influence on fire safety education cannot be overstated”, said Chief Mary Cameli, Chair of the IFSTA Executive Board. “His leadership at IFSTA, combined with his passion for mentoring and advancing fire safety education, helped set the foundation for how the fire service educates and protects communities today.”  

“The late Harold R. Mace embodied the spirit of the Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education,” said Jim Estepp, President of the Congressional Fire Services Institute Board of Directors. “His visionary leadership, advocacy, and mentorship helped share the fire safety discipline into an essential mission of the fire service, and this award is a fitting recognition of his lasting impact.” 

The award will be presented posthumously and accepted by his son, Randy Mace.