NVFC and Darley Announce the Application Period is Now Open for the William J. Darley Lifetime Achievement Award

December 19, 2024

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is now accepting nominations for the William J. Darley Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Darley. This award annually honors individuals whose remarkable achievements in the fire service and community exemplify outstanding performance.

To be considered for the award, nominees must have been a volunteer firefighter for at least 20 years. Nominations can be made posthumously. Each nominee will be judged on the following criteria:

• Nominee has made a major contribution or has achieved significant accomplishments in the volunteer fire service on a local, state, and/or national level.
• Nominee has demonstrated superior dedication to the volunteer fire service and has served as a volunteer firefighter for at least 20 years.
• Nominee has been active in their state firefighters’ association.
• Nominee has demonstrated community impact through the fire service or other volunteer activities.

NVFC board members are not eligible for three years after they end their service on the board. Former award recipients are not eligible until 10 years after their previous award. Nominees must have obtained the majority of their fire service experience in the United States and must be a U.S. citizen.

The recipient of the William J. Darley Lifetime Achievement Award will be recognized at a special celebration in conjunction with the NVFC’s spring conference in Alexandria, VA, on May 9, 2025, and will receive a trip for the winner and one guest to attend the awards celebration, complimentary registration for the NVFC spring conference, complimentary one-year NVFC membership, personalized award, and a place in NVFC history.

The deadline to submit a nomination is 5pm EST on January 17, 2025. View the full criteria and submit your nomination for this and all of the NVFC’s awards at www.nvfc.org/awards.