The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of State Fire Marshal and the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Division of EMS have officially opened the nomination period for the highly anticipated 2026 Ohio Fire Service Hall of Fame and Fire Awards, an esteemed annual event dedicated to recognizing exceptional bravery and commitment within the state’s firefighting community. This prestigious initiative underscores Ohio’s deep appreciation for its dedicated professionals and ordinary citizens who demonstrate extraordinary heroism in emergency situations.
The combined efforts of these pivotal state divisions ensure a comprehensive and rigorous selection process for individuals and departments who consistently go above and beyond their duty. This collaboration highlights the unified commitment of Ohio’s public safety sector to uphold the highest standards of service and acknowledge significant contributions to community well-being and security.
Each year, the awards ceremony serves as a profound platform to honor the unwavering dedication, leadership, and sacrifice of Ohio’s fire service professionals, departments, and educators. Beyond recognizing professional excellence, the program also celebrates citizens whose selfless acts and courageous interventions have profoundly impacted lives, exemplifying the spirit of community heroism.
Prospective nominees for the 45th annual awards ceremony have ample time to submit their applications, as the nomination window remains open until December 31, 2025. This extended period ensures that all deserving candidates have the opportunity to be considered for an honor that celebrates their significant impact and provides a beacon of inspiration for future generations within the Ohio fire service.
Submitting a nomination is a straightforward process accessible through a dedicated webpage, which provides comprehensive guidelines and criteria for each award category. It is highly recommended that nominators meticulously review these requirements to ensure their chosen individuals or departments meet all eligibility standards, thereby streamlining the evaluation process for the judging panel.
Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon emphasizes the profound significance of this annual event, describing it as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and invaluable contributions made by those within the Ohio fire community. He passionately articulates that the Fire Service Hall of Fame and Fire Awards is one of the year’s most anticipated occasions, serving as a crucial opportunity to acknowledge genuine heroes.
Among the distinguished accolades is the Ohio Fire Service Citizen’s Award, specifically designed to recognize ordinary citizens who, at great personal risk, demonstrate extraordinary courage by saving or attempting to save lives during critical emergency scenarios. This award spotlights the spontaneous heroism that often emerges from unexpected places within communities.
Further categories include the Ohio Fire Service Distinguished Service Award, celebrating individuals whose leadership has significantly advanced fire services, and the Ohio Fire Department of the Year Award, which highlights departments exemplifying exceptional community impact. Additionally, the Ohio Fire Service Instructor of the Year Award honors educators whose teaching profoundly enhances fire service training, while the Ohio Fire Prevention Educator of the Year Award recognizes innovative prevention efforts.
The culminating honor, the Ohio Fire Educator Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizes sustained and impactful contributions to fire service education at local, state, or national levels. To ensure a thorough review, all submissions should be supported by comprehensive documentation, including narratives, fire reports, and compelling letters of recommendation, meticulously demonstrating why each nominee is truly deserving of this esteemed recognition.
