Let the Nominations Begin!

Honoring Those Who Serve the Fire Service: FSPA’s Annual Award Nomination Process is Open!

By: Robert Avsec, FSPA Operations Chief

Every year, the Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA) pauses to recognize individuals who are making an extraordinary impact at the intersection of psychology, behavioral health, and the fire service.

 These professionals and leaders do more than fulfill a role—they change culture, strengthen resilience, and ensure that those who serve our communities are supported in mind as well as body.

The nomination process is now open for FSPA’s annual awards, and we invite you to take part in honoring excellence across three distinct categories:

• Psychologist of the Year
• Fire Service Leader of the Year
• Master’s‑Level Clinician of the Year

Why These Awards Matter

Behind every effective behavioral health program, every trauma‑informed leader, and every culturally competent clinician serving firefighters, there is a commitment to service that often goes unrecognized.

FSPA’s annual awards exist to shine a light on those who are quietly—and sometimes boldly—advancing firefighter mental health, well‑being, and organizational resilience.

Recognition does more than celebrate individual achievement. It reinforces best practices, elevates role models within our professions, and sends a clear message: psychological health is essential to fire service readiness and leadership.

Award Categories

Psychologist of the Year
This award honors licensed psychologists who have made outstanding contributions to the fire service through clinical practice, research, consultation, education, or advocacy. Nominees exemplify excellence in bridging professional psychology with the unique culture, demands, and realities of the fire service.

Fire Service Leader of the Year
This award recognizes fire service leaders—of any rank—who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to behavioral health by partnering with mental health professionals, championing wellness initiatives, and fostering psychologically healthy organizational cultures. These leaders understand that taking care of firefighters includes caring for their mental and emotional well‑being.

Master’s‑Level Clinician of the Year
This award honors master’s‑level clinicians whose work has meaningfully supported firefighters, EMS professionals, and their families. These clinicians bring skill, cultural competence, and dedication to the complex behavioral health needs of the fire service community.

Who Can Submit a Nomination?

You can! Nominations are welcomed from across the fire service and behavioral health communities.

Firefighters, officers, clinicians, administrators, researchers, and peers are all encouraged to submit nominations. If you know someone whose work has made a lasting impact—locally, regionally, or nationally—your nomination can help ensure their contributions are recognized.

You do not need to be an expert in awards or formal recognition. What matters most is your perspective and your willingness to speak up on behalf of someone who is making a difference.

The Power of Saying “This Work Matters”

Many past honorees never sought recognition. They were nominated by colleagues who simply believed, “This work matters, and so does the person doing it.”

By submitting a nomination, you help amplify the values FSPA stands for: collaboration, excellence, service, and the integration of psychology into the fire service.

How to Get Started

The nomination process is straightforward and accessible through the FSPA website. Criteria for each award category and nomination forms are all on the same webpage!

We encourage you to review the criteria, reflect on the individuals in your professional circle, and take a few moments to submit a nomination.

Your voice matters. Your nomination matters.
Join us in honoring those who are building stronger, healthier fire service organizations—one conversation, one program, and one courageous leader at a time.