Pierce and IAFC Honor Extraordinary Leadership with 2025 Fire Chief of the Year Awards
APPLETON, WI – Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) business, in partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), is proud to announce the 2025 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year honorees. Volunteer Fire Chief Daniel Krushinski of the East Franklin Fire Department in Somerset, NJ, and Career Fire Chief Jeremy Craft of the Lehi, UT, Fire Department have been named this year’s recipients.
Since 1996, the IAFC has annually recognized one volunteer and one career fire chief for their outstanding service. Nominations are evaluated by a select committee, focusing on leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, public service, and contributions to the fire service. The 2025 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year awards were presented during the Fire-Rescue International (FRI) event in Orlando, FL.
“We are honored to recognize two extraordinary leaders whose passion for the fire service and dedication to their communities set the standard for us all,” said Bob Schulz, president of Pierce Manufacturing. “Chief Krushinski and Chief Craft embody integrity, innovation, and a commitment to serving others. Pierce Manufacturing is privileged to join the IAFC in celebrating their remarkable achievements.”
Volunteer Fire Chief Honoree – Daniel Krushinski, East Franklin Fire Department
Chief Daniel Krushinski has devoted more than two decades to leading by example. As the top-responding volunteer firefighter year after year in a department answering approximately 750 calls annually, he demonstrates tireless commitment and inspires those around him. Chief Krushinski’s leadership has driven meaningful innovation within the East Franklin Fire Department, including establishing a Water Rescue Team and securing specialized rescue boats in response to lessons learned from Hurricane Ida.
Beyond operational excellence, Chief Krushinski is deeply invested in developing his members. Under his guidance, firefighters pursue advanced certifications and in-house training programs to ensure readiness for any emergency. His integrity and dedication are mirrored in his family’s involvement—his wife and daughters actively support the department through auxiliary roles and administrative efforts. Chief Krushinski also champions community service, from fire prevention education and summer camp outreach to annual holiday events that bring joy and safety awareness to residents. His visionary Duty Crew Program has become a model for volunteer recruitment and retention, earning national recognition.
Career Fire Chief Honoree – Jeremy Craft, Lehi Fire Department
Chief Jeremy Craft’s career reflects a profound commitment to firefighter health and safety. He has been instrumental in driving landmark cancer prevention legislation in Utah, advocating for presumptive cancer coverage, early screening protocols, and accountability measures that protect firefighters statewide. His leadership extends beyond policy; he built coalitions, educated lawmakers, and united fire service leaders to achieve these historic reforms.
Chief Craft mentors colleagues, testifies at hearings, and shares best practices with departments across the country. His unwavering integrity and selfless approach have sparked a national movement, inspiring countless fire service professionals to prioritize health and wellness initiatives. His efforts are shaping a safer future for firefighters in Utah and beyond.
Chiefs Krushinski and Craft exemplify the highest standards of leadership in the fire service.
Their dedication, innovation, and service to their departments and communities make them deserving recipients of the 2025 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year award.
For more information about Pierce Manufacturing and the IAFC Fire Chief of the Year award, visit www.piercemfg.com.
About Pierce Manufacturing
Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation [NYSE: OSK] business, is the leading North American manufacturer of custom fire apparatus. Products include custom and commercial pumpers, aerials, rescue trucks, wildland trucks, mini pumpers, and homeland security apparatus. In addition, Pierce designs its own foam systems and was the first company to introduce frontal airbags and the Side Roll Protection system to fire apparatus. To learn more about Pierce, visit www.piercemfg.com.
About Oshkosh Corporation
At Oshkosh (NYSE: OSK), we make innovative, purpose-built vehicles and equipment to help everyday heroes advance communities around the world. Headquartered in Wisconsin, Oshkosh Corporation employs over 18,000 team members worldwide, all united behind a common purpose: to make a difference in people’s lives. Oshkosh products can be found in more than 150 countries under the brands of JLG®, Pierce®, MAXIMETAL, Oshkosh® S-Series™, McNeilus®, IMT®, Jerr-Dan®, Frontline™ Communications, Oshkosh® Airport Products, Oshkosh AeroTech™, Oshkosh® Defense and Pratt Miller. For more information, visit oshkoshcorp.com.