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.

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