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Glass awards with teardrop shapes sit on a white tablecloth, each engraved with fire suppression honors like “Civilian Protection Award” and “Guinness World Records.” Medals with ribbons lie in front of each. The backdrop features a black curtain and wood paneling, suggesting a formal ceremony.

Governor’s Fire Service Awards

Celebrate the Heroes of Our Community

Learn More Submit a Nomination

Governor’s Fire Service Awards

Since 2002, the Virginia Governor’s Fire Service Awards have honored the exceptional dedication and service of fire professionals across the Commonwealth. Presented annually at the Virginia Fire Rescue Conference in Virginia Beach, these prestigious awards recognize excellence in five categories.

Most categories celebrate both a career and a volunteer recipient—highlighting the invaluable contributions of Virginia’s diverse fire service community.  

A group of people in formal attire gather outside the Virginia Governor’s Mansion, a historic white-columned building with black shutters. A fire truck is parked nearby, indicating an emergency or official response. Annual Governor’s Fire Service Awards. Awards Timeline:




How to Submit Your Nomination:

Submitting nominations for the Virginia Governor's Fire Service Awards is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to ensure your nominations are received and considered.  

  1. Explore the categories and choose the award category that best fits your nominee’s achievements.

  2. Gather details and collect information about your nominee’s accomplishments and any supporting materials.

  3. Fill out the Online Form and provide accurate details about the nominee and upload all required documents.

Submit a Nomination

Award Categories

  • This award celebrates individuals or organizations that go above and beyond in protecting Virginians from fire hazards. Whether through strong leadership, sound management, public fire education, or by supporting fire departments across the state, these nominees exemplify outstanding service. 

    Who’s Eligible: 
    • Fire service professionals from municipal, state, DOD, or federal teams working in Virginia
    • Private sector or nonprofit organizations that support fire safety or public education in Virginia
  • This award honors those who contribute to high-quality fire service training—through lesson development, instruction or program delivery. It highlights innovation, commitment, and statewide impact in preparing Virginia’s fire service community. 

    Who’s Eligible: 
    • Instructors or training contributors affiliated with municipal, state, DOD or federal fire service agencies in Virginia 
  • Given to a fire department that delivered a remarkable emergency response in the past year—particularly where collaboration, multi-agency coordination, and smart decision-making played a critical role in the outcome. Nomination must include a VFIRS report and a detailed example of the response. 

    Who’s Eligible:
    • Any fire service organization in the Commonwealth of Virginia 
  • Awarded to a paid or volunteer firefighter who consistently goes the extra mile to protect their community. This person shows exceptional dedication to public safety and promotes meaningful improvements in fire prevention and response. 

    Who’s Eligible: 
    • Any firefighter—paid or volunteer—serving in Virginia 

  • Presented to a chief officer who exemplifies exceptional leadership, integrity, innovation, and commitment to both their department and the broader Virginia fire service. The recipient has a distinguished record of achievements and meaningful contributions. 

    Who’s Eligible:
    • Any paid or volunteer chief officer serving in Virginia 

Award Resources

Governor’s Fire Service Award Manual

This manual provides detailed information about each award category, eligibility requirements, submission instructions and timelines.

Download Award Manual PDF

Need Help or Have Questions

Please reach out to the Government Affairs Division at policyoffice@vdfp.virginia.gov for guidance or additional information.