2026 Firefighter & EMS Responder of the Year Awards

​Nominee Guidelines & Applications

The Texas State Firefighters' and Fire Marshals' Association (SFFMA) is proud to recognize the dedication, service, and heroism of Firefighters and EMS Responders across the state. As part of our continued commitment to honoring these brave individuals, VFIS of Texas is honored to sponsor the 2026 Firefighter & EMS Responder of the Year Awards.

This year’s winners will receive a $3,000 cash prize, and runners-up will also receive monetary awards.
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📢 REMINDER FOR 2026: Nominations can now be submitted online for added convenience!

Award Criteria

​Nominees will be evaluated based on a point system considering the following areas:

✔ Leadership Abilities – Work knowledge, communication skills, creativity, innovation, attitude, and interaction with others.
✔ Commitment to Training – Dedication to ongoing education and introduction of new or innovative training methods.
✔ Community Involvement – Contributions to civic and/or religious organizations.
✔ Acts of Bravery or Heroism – Fire-related, EMS-related, or other life-saving actions.
✔ SFFMA Involvement – Participation at state and district levels.
✔ Accomplishments & Certifications – Awards, recognitions, and professional credentials.
✔ Supporting Materials – Up to four recommendation letters and four photos may be included.

Nominee Requirements

​✔ Each department may submit ONE Firefighter and ONE EMS Responder nominee to their District on or before the District’s Spring Meeting.
✔ The nominee’s department must be a current member of SFFMA.
✔ The nominee must hold an active individual membership with SFFMA.
✔ Nominees do not have to be officers or chiefs to qualify.

Nomination Process

🔹 Step 1 – Submit the nomination to your local SFFMA District following these guidelines:

• ​Must be submitted to a local SFFMA District Association, on department or agency letterhead, and signed by the department or agency chief officer or executive, assistant chief, or executive and/or department or agency president.

🔹 Step 2 – Each district will select one finalist per category to submit to SFFMA.
🔹 Step 3 – Submit nominations online below or in a sealed envelope to SFFMA by May 25, 2026.
🔹 Step 4 – The committee will review all submissions and select three finalists in each category.
🔹 Step 5 – Finalists will be interviewed by the selection committee.
🔹 Step 6 – All finalists will be recognized, and winners will be announced at the Presidents Dinner & Dance on June 13th, 2026.

​🏆 SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION TODAY! 🏆

Do you know a Firefighter or EMS Responder who goes above and beyond? Now’s your chance to recognize their dedication and impact! You can easily submit nominations online. Scroll down to complete the application online and help us honor Texas’ bravest.

​Don’t miss the opportunity—Nominate Today!

Any questions, please contact Bianca Nelson at
[email protected] or (512) 628-5185.
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**DEADLINE TO APPLY IS MAY 25, 2026**

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