RECOGNITION AWARDS

The Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association recognizes excellence in leadership, service, and contributions to the fire service through its annual awards.

Metropolitan Fire Chief of the Year Award

The Metropolitan Fire Chief of the Year Award is presented annually to a Regular Member of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association. This award recognizes distinguished leadership, professional accomplishments, and meaningful contributions to the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association and to fire and life safety worldwide.

The recipient is selected by a majority vote of Metro members in good standing.

Metropolitan Fire Chief of the Year Award

2025: John A. Donnelly Sr.

Washington, DC

2021
Mary Cameli

Mesa, AZ

2020
Charles Hood

San Antonio, TX

2019
Kevin McGee

Prince William County, MD

2018
Daryl Osby

Los Angeles, CA

2017
Joseph Finn

Boston, MA

2016
Maurice Kemp

Miami, FL

2015
Ken Block

Edmonton, AB

2014
G. Keith Bryant

Oklahoma City, OK

2013
Keith Richter

Orange County, CA

2012

No Award Presented

2011
Richard "Smokey" Dyer

Kansas City, MO

2010
William "Bill" Stewart

Toronto, ON

2009
Ned Pettus, Jr.

Columbus, OH

2008
William "Shorty" Bryson

Miami, FL

2007
Sir Ken Knight

London Fire Brigade, UK

2006
William "Bill" Bamattre

Los Angeles City, CA

2005
Michael Freeman

Los Angeles County, CA

2004
Jeff Bowman

San Diego, CA

2003
Harold Hairston

Philadelphia, PA

2002
Warren McDaniels

New Orleans, LA

2001
Luther Fincher

Charlotte, NC

Russell E. Sanders Lifetime Achievement Award

The Russell E. Sanders Lifetime Achievement Award may be presented to any past or present Metropolitan Fire Chief, regardless of membership status, whose long-standing contributions, leadership, and sustained impact have significantly advanced the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association and the broader fire service.

Note: The Metropolitan Fire Chief Lifetime Achievement Award was renamed the Russell E. Sanders Lifetime Achievement Award in March 2021.

Russell E. Sanders Lifetime Achievement Award

2025: Otto Drozd III

El Paso, TX; Orange County, FL; Seminole County, FL
Retired

2021
Mike Duyck

Tualatin Valley, OR

Retired
2020
Denis Onieal

Jersey City, NJ, and Deputy Director of the USFA

Retired
2019
Mary Beth Michos

Prince William County, VA

Retired
2018
Mark Light

Henrico County, VA

(Retired) and IAFC, CEO
2017
Harold Hairston (Posthumous)

Philadelphia, PA

2016
William "Shorty" Bryson

Miami / Miami-Dade

Retired
2015
Luther Fincher

Charlotte, NC

Retired
2014
Don Austin

Detroit, MI

Retired
2013
Peter Holland

Chief Fire & Rescue Advisor, London, England

2012
Bill McCammon & Jeff Johnson

Alameda County, CA, and Tualatin Valley, OR

Retired
2011
Glenn Gaines

Fairfax County, VA

(Retired) & Acting USFA Administrator
2010
Kelvin Cochran

U.S. Fire Administration Administrator

2009
Russell Sanders

Louisville, KY

Retired
2008
Charlie Dickinson

Pittsburgh, PA

Retired
2007
Dennis Compton

Mesa, AZ

Retired
2006
Herman Brice

Palm Beach County, FL

2005
Warren McDaniels

New Orleans, LA

Retired
2004
Dodd Miller

Dallas, TX

Retired
2003
Dave Paulison

Miami, FL

Retired
2002
Alan Brunacini

Phoenix, AZ

2001
Bill McCrossen

New Orleans

Retired