NVFC awards deadline is June 1
June 1 is the deadline for submitting nominations for the National Volunteer Fire Council`s Firefighter of the Year Award and the Marc Mueller Fire Prevention Award of Excellence. Recipients of both awards will be announced at the NVFC Fall meeting in Charleston, West Virginia, in October 1997.
The Firefighter of the Year Award, which is not an award for heroism, recognizes individuals who have rendered “exemplary performance” to the fire service. The 1996 Firefighter of the Year Award was presented to John A. “Jack” Scheben, who has been an active volunteer member of the Erlanger (KY) Fire Department for 50 years and who presently is serving as assistant chief in charge of suppression activities and hazardous materials response. During his tenure as chief, from 1975 through 1988, he developed a proactive attitude toward modern fire prevention, public education, fire investigation, and hazardous materials response. He is an instructor for his department, neighboring departments, and regional fire schools and is secretary of the Kenton County Fire Chiefs Organization, a position he has held since its inception in 1975. Four of Scheben`s sons are members of the emergency service. Two are lieutenants, one is a paramedic, and another is president of the Erlanger Firefighter`s Association.
The Marc Mueller Award of Excellence honors a volunteer firefighter who exemplifies the philosophy of fire prevention. It was created in partnership with Master Protection Corporation.
Bob Vogltance, an active member of the West Point (NE) Volunteer Fire Department since 1961, was the 1996 recipient of this award (see News in Brief, March 1997).
For nomination criteria pertaining to these awards, contact the NVFC at 1050 17th Street, NW, Suite 1212; Washington, DC 20036. n
