2025 Fire Department of the Year Nomination

The Fire Department of the Year award recognizes outstanding fire departments across Arkansas for their community impact, innovation, and excellence. The award is divided into three categories based on the population of the community or city. We encourage you to nominate a department that has made significant contributions to public safety and has implemented effective programs or projects that benefit the community.

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Nomination Process:

Three awards will be given based on the population of the community/city. 

Less than 5,000

5,000 - 20,000

20,000 or greater

To nominate a department, submit a narrative of up to four (4) pages of double-spaced text that clearly explains why your department deserves the award. Use the criteria outlined below to guide your submission. You may also include no more than four (4) pages of supporting materials such as newspaper clippings, photographs, or letters from the community.

Deadline for nominations: April 1, 2025

Things to Include in Your Narrative:

  • Program/Project Overview: Describe the projects or programs the department has implemented that benefit the community or city.
  • Transferability: Could other communities adapt this program/project to meet their needs?
  • Goals: How were the original goals for the program or project established?
  • Operation: How does the program/project operate, including financing and staffing?
  • Innovation: Is this program/project the first of its kind or have you reworked an existing program in a new and innovative way?
  • Effectiveness: How well has the program/project achieved its objectives? Include specific results or accomplishments.
  • Partnerships: Did you partner with other groups to achieve your goals? Please explain the nature of the partnership.
  • Value: What is the current and long-term value of this program/project to the community?
  • Community Support: How has the community supported the program/project?
  • Cost Savings: Provide a simple explanation of how the program/project has saved the community money.
  • Presentation: Ensure your narrative is neat, clear, and easy to read.


Judging Process

The Arkansas Fire Convention Board of Directors will judge the nominations based on the following criteria:

  1. Completeness: Is the application complete, and are all necessary items enclosed?
  2. Innovation: Is the program/project innovative?
  3. Achievement: Did the program/project achieve its goals?
  4. Long-term Value: What is the long-term value of the program/project to the city?
  5. Adaptability: Can this program/project be adapted for use by other communities/cities?


Recognition of Winners

  • Notification: Winning departments will be notified by May 1, 2025.
  • Awards Presentation: Awards will be presented at the 2025 AFC Awards Banquet on June 6, 2025.