Named in honor of Dr. Anne W. Phillips for her profound and enduring contributions to fire safety education, the Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education recognizes individuals for outstanding achievements at the national level in fire safety education.
Phillips was a member of the National Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, a 20-member body appointed by President Richard Nixon in 1972 to study our nation’s fire problem and make recommendations for reducing the fire losses across the country. The culmination of the Commission’s work was the seminal report, America Burning, the most comprehensive study ever undertaken on our nation’s fire problem. It was the impetus for raising greater awareness for a larger federal role in fire prevention and life safety, and led to the establishment of the United States Fire Administration and National Fire Academy. As a member of the Commission, Dr. Phillips authored the Minority Report that emphasized the important role of prevention in reducing fire injuries and deaths.
Throughout her life, Dr. Phillips demonstrated an unwavering dedication to fire prevention and preparedness as the basis for strengthening fire safety education across the country. CFSI and the International Fire Service Training Association sponsor the award to memorialize Dr. Phillips’ legacy and recognize fire safety educators who have followed her example to move the field of fire prevention and safety forward.
Award Sponsored By:
Purpose of the Award
The Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education aims to honor and recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to fire safety education at the national level. The award celebrates those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication in advancing fire safety education, mirroring the legacy of Dr. Anne W. Phillips.
Award Goals
The award seeks to:
- Promote the importance of fire safety education and its impact on reducing fire-related injuries and deaths.
- Recognize outstanding achievements in the field of fire safety education at the national level.
- Encourage the development of innovative and effective fire safety education programs.
- Highlight the role of leadership and collaboration in advancing fire safety education.
Award Presentation
The recipient of the Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education will be honored at the Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner held in Washington, DC. CFSI will cover reasonable expenses for the recipient to attend the dinner, including transportation, overnight accommodations for a maximum of two nights, and seating at the dinner. Any additional costs will be the responsibility of the recipient. If available, a limited number of additional complimentary seats will also be provided.
The award presentation will take place during the dinner program and will include a brief video highlighting the achievements of the award winner. CFSI will request the recipient to provide video or digital images of them performing fire prevention activities to be used in the award presentation video.
Award Eligibility
- The candidate must be nominated by someone other than themselves.
- The nomination must address the following criteria:
- Significant fire and life safety education contributions.
- Substantiation of a national level impact.
- Unique outcomes/accomplishments of the candidate’s work.
- Documentation of leadership, collaboration, and influence on the work of other fire and life safety educators.
Nomination Process
Nominations must be submitted by individuals who have a strong understanding of the candidate’s contributions to fire safety education.
The nomination form requires the following information:
- Nominator Information:
- Name (First and Last)
- Position
- Phone
- Nominee Information:
- Name (First and Last)
- Position
- Phone
- Description of the nominee’s fire and life safety education contributions.
- Details of any innovative fire and life safety education programs developed by the nominee and their impact on public safety education at the national level.
- Explanation of how the nominee has served as a catalyst for fire and life safety education.
- Nominator Information:
The selection of the recipient will be made by the CFSI Board of Directors.
Deadline for Submitting Nominations:
November 8, 2024
Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education
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Previous Recipients
- 2024
Karla Klas
- 2023
Peg Paul
- 2022
Rebecca Booker
- 2021
Don Porth
- 2020
Ed Comeau
- 2019
Dr. Ernest Grant
- 2018
Mike Weller
- 2017
Marsha Giesler
- 2016
Gerry Bassett
- 2015
Pamela A. Powell
- 2015
Catherine B. Lohr
- 2014
Mary Marchone
- 2013
Jim Crawford
- 2012
Meri-K Appy
- 2011
Peg Carson
- 2010
Sharon Gamache
- 2009
Pat Mieszala
- 2008
Nancy Trench
- 2007
