The Congressional Fire Services Institute‘s Board of Directors selected Chief Ron Siarnicki, executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, as the recipient of the 2013 CFSI/Motorola Solutions Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award. The presentation will take place at the 25th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on May 9 at the Washington Hilton, in Washington, D.C.
Established in 1998 and co-sponsored by CFSI and Motorola Solutions, the Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award recognizes individuals who have been proactive at the local, state and federal government levels to improve and advance fire/emergency services and life safety issues. Representing a cross section of the fire and emergency services, previous recipients include chiefs, instructors, career and volunteer leaders and public safety advocates.
Following a 24-year career with the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department, Chief Siarnicki was named executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in 2001. One of the many roles of the Foundation is to conduct the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emittsburg, Md. Since becoming executive director, Siarnicki has expanded the Foundation’s work to include initiatives that address firefighter health and safety, as well as programs to help the survivors along on their difficult journeys. One of his many accomplishments is the 2004 National Firefighter Life Safety Summit attended by representatives of the major fire service organizations. The culmination of the two-day event was the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives embraced by the national organizations to reduce the number of deaths and injuries in the fire service.
In Washington, Siarnicki has been an active leader on a number of federal initiatives, working closely with the major fire organizations, congressional leaders and administration officials. Many of his efforts have focused on the Public Safety Officers Benefit Program to ensure that the program is properly administered for survivors who file claims. He also has been actively involved in efforts to advance fire sprinkler initiatives and burn treatment research.
“I cannot think of a more qualified and deserving individual than Chief Siarnicki to receive this award, said Congressman Steny Hoyer in his letter of support. “He has earned it through a lifetime of service and a level of leadership that will surely inspire others to follow.”
For additional information about the 25th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminars Program, visit the CFSI website at www.cfsi.org. This event benefits the mission of the Congressional Fire Services Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy organization designed to educate members of Congress about fire and life safety issues.
