Each year CFSI picks legislators that we feel have made a significant contribution to the fire service. This has been an ongoing tradition at CFSI and below is a list of past recipients. We would like to congratulate these members of Congress and encourage all members to follow their footsteps and continue to work hard for the fire service.
CFSI Legislator of the Year Award

On December 17, the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) presented Senator Lisa Murkowski (AK) with its 2019 Legislator of the Year Award. A co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus since 2018, Senator Murkowski has been a strong advocate for our nation’s firefighters and emergency services personnel throughout her congressional career.
“During my years in public service, I have always had a deep appreciation for our nation’s first responders,” said Senator Murkowski. “The training, equipment and time commitment needed by firefighters to perform their work safely requires support from all levels of government. I have continued to advocate for support for important federal first responder programs, including the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund and the AFG and SAFER grant programs, because it’s the right thing to do.”
“CFSI takes great pride in presenting our 2019 Legislator of the Year Award to Senator Murkowski,” said Bill Jenaway, CFSI President. “As a co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, she has always worked in the spirit of bipartisanship to advance our issues – an important factor in why the Fire Caucus remains one of the most respected caucuses on Capitol Hill. Senator Murkowski has been a valued champion on so many issues and we thank her for her continued support of our nation’s fire and emergency services.”
The award presentation was conducted in Senator Murkowski’s Capitol Hill office. CFSI Executive Director Bill Webb and Director of Government Affairs Michaela Campbell took part in the presentation.
Legislator of the Year Previous Recipients
2018
Senator Jon Tester
2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006
2005
Congressman Christopher Cox – California
Congressman Bill Pascrell – New Jersey
2004
Congressman Bob Etheridge – North Carolina
2003
Congressman Jim Walsh – New York
2002
Senator Robert Byrd – West Virginia
2001
Senator John Warner – Virginia
Senator Carl Levin – Michigan
Senator John McCain – Arizona
Senator Ernest Hollings – South Carolina
Senator Chris Dodd – Connecticut
Senator Mike DeWine – Ohio
Congressman Bill Pascrell – New Jersey
Congressman Curt Weldon – Pennsylvania
Congressman Steny Hoyer – Maryland
Congressman Floyd Spence – South Carolina
Congressman Ike Skelton – Missouri
Congressman Nick Smith – Michigan
Congressman Bob Ehrlich – Maryland
1999
Senator Judd Gregg – New Hampshire
1998
Senator Paul Sarbanes – Maryland
1997
Congressman Bill Emerson – Missouri
1995
Senator Joe Biden – Delaware
Congressman Curt Weldon – Pennsylvania
1994
Senator Daniel K. Inouye – Hawaii
Congressman Norman Mineta – California
1993
Senator Richard Bryan – Nevada
1992
Congressman Richard Boucher – Virginia