NVFC Announces Recipients of the 2025 Fire Service Achievement Awards
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is pleased to announce the winners of its annual fire service achievement awards. These awards recognize those who have gone above and beyond in service to their department and community.
The 2025 recipients are: David Denniston, William J. Darley Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Darley; Jeremy Sonenschein, Chief James P. Seavey Sr. Health & Wellness Leadership Award, co-sponsored by VFIS and Ward Diesel Filter Systems; Jiya Jadhav, Junior Firefighter of the Year Award, sponsored by California Casualty; West Virginia University Fire Service Extension Junior Firefighter Camp, Junior Firefighter Program of the Year Award, sponsored by California Casualty; and Brian McQueen, E. James Monihan Director Award, sponsored by Provident.
“We are thrilled to recognize the outstanding service, dedication, and impact of the recipients of the NVFC’s 2025 awards,” said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch. “Fire service volunteers give so much to their communities, and these recipients exemplify the spirit and extraordinary nature of this calling.”
Denniston, Sonenschein, Jadhav, and McQueen will be recognized at an awards ceremony taking place during the NVFC spring conference on May 9 in Alexandria, VA. The West Virginia University Fire Service Extension Junior Firefighter Camp will be honored during a local ceremony so that all of their members have the opportunity to attend.
Learn more about the 2025 NVFC award winners below.
William J. Darley Lifetime Achievement Award: David Denniston (NY)
Award sponsored by Darley
Dave Denniston began his fire service journey in 1989 when he joined the Cortlandville (NY) Fire Department. He quickly rose through the ranks and has served in business and operational leadership roles for over 30 years, including fire chief from 2004 to 2006. He has served as an elected fire commissioner of the Virgil Fire District since 2005, as a lead fire instructor for the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and is Cortland County’s longest sitting deputy fire coordinator.
Denniston is also extremely involved at the state level, where he serves as the first vice president of the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York and is an active member in both the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs and the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY). He is an instructor for FASNY, has written many articles on firefighter safety and leadership for their magazine, and has co-chaired the FASNY Winter Games for the past 19 years.
Nationally, Denniston remains active with both the NVFC and International Association of Fire Chiefs, is a sought-after instructor and speaker, and is a tireless advocate for firefighter safety. During the COVID pandemic, Denniston realized that a different method of instruction would be needed to educate firefighters during this unprecedented time, so he started a series of weekly webinars to help keep responders and leaders informed. The webinars are offered free of charge through ESIP to any first responder and have reached over 32,000 students in 48 states and three countries. While the frequency of the webinars has now decreased, the series continues to draw large audiences monthly.
When the proposed new OSHA Emergency Response Standard was made public in February 2024, Denniston quickly realized the negative impact it would have on the nation’s volunteer fire service. Even through a health crisis and ongoing treatments, he led the charge to educate firefighters about the proposed changes and coordinate the volunteer fire service’s response in New York State and nationally as the chair of the NVFC’s OSHA Task Force.
Denniston’s lifelong commitment to community service extends beyond the fire service. He volunteers and has held numerous leadership positions in community service and political organizations, is active in his local church, and serves as chaplain for local fire service agencies.
Chief James P. Seavey Sr. Health & Wellness Leadership Award: Jeremy Sonenschein (NV)
Award Co-sponsored by VFIS and Ward Diesel Filter Systems
Capt. Jeremy Sonenschein has contributed over 30 years of service in the fire, EMS, and allied healthcare industries. His passion for service began as a health and safety instructor and a disaster services volunteer for the L.A. Chapter of the American Red Cross at age 16. He later worked as a reserve firefighter/EMT with the L.A. City Fire Department and eventually a paramedic with the Fire Department of New York. He currently works as an EMS instructor for local academic institutions and disaster relief organizations and volunteers as a training consultant with various fire departments in Las Vegas.
In 2007, Sonenshein developed a stand-alone county accredited Career Technical Education training program for fire, EMS, and allied healthcare at Francis Polytechnic High School in Sun Valley, CA. The program trained at-risk students, who obtained certification as emergency medical responders, eventually expanding to include related allied healthcare courses in the disciplines of sports medicine, nursing, physical therapy and medical assisting. The program enabled interested students to pursue advanced education and/or receive employment opportunities upon high school graduation.
Sonenschein has been a dedicated champion for enhanced prehospital treatment of chronic pediatric fatalities, such as accidental poisoning, drowning, and other unintentional injuries through his volunteer role as the elected NV Family Advisory Network (FAN) representative to the EMS for Children Advisory Committee. As an FAN representative, Sonenschein facilitates family involvement in numerous ways and maintains direct connections to local and nationwide pediatric practitioners and state agencies to share contemporary protocol information and treatment trends. This includes serving as a guest lecturer and safety consultant to local schools, where he inspects facilities to correct hazards that lead to unintentional injuries.
Sonenschein is also dedicated to raising awareness among responders of the effects that PTSD can have on emotional health. He utilizes his personal experiences, including his service during 9/11 and his ongoing struggles with PTSD, to encourage other first responders to seek professional help if needed. He travels to local venues, speaking to organizations on this important topic and openly discussing his own mental health issues. Sonenschein continues to leave a lasting impact as an EMS/fire science instructor with multiple medical training centers, further working with local fire departments, training new recruits, and providing education to fire service personnel related to enhanced pediatric care and accessible mental health resources.
Junior Firefighter of the Year: Jiya Jadhav (NY)
Award sponsored by California Casualty
Jiya Jadhav has made extraordinary contributions to the New Hyde Park (NY) Fire Department through her dedication, leadership, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Since joining the New Hyde Park Junior Fire Department in June 2022, she has exemplified the spirit of youth community involvement and has become a role model for her peers. Her passion for firefighting and community service is evident in her numerous accomplishments and her unwavering commitment to the department.
As the first lieutenant of the Junior Fire Department, Jadhav has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership skills. She holds the highest attendance record out of all 75 junior members, underscoring her dedication and active participation. Her leadership plays a pivotal role in mentoring fellow juniors, helping them gain critical knowledge and skills to become better firefighters. Through her motivational efforts, she has inspired many juniors to participate in events and take an active role in the department’s activities.
As chair of three committees – event planning, fundraising, and social media – Jadhav organizes initiatives that foster community engagement and raise awareness of the department’s mission. She manages the social media account for the New Hyde Park Juniors, publicizing activities and achievements as well as planning trips for the event planning committee.
In addition to her training and community service, Jadhav has excelled in competitive settings. At the annual Camp Fahrenheit in 2024, she won the gear donning drill competition out of all 48 juniors. She was also chosen to be featured on several local news channels.
One of Jadhav’s most notable accomplishments is her participation in fire service training programs and events. She has marched in several parades, attended the Youth Women in Fire Service Day, has participated in hands-on training including car and building fire trainings and tower & flashover simulator trainings, and much more. She obtained international experience when she participated in a Germany/U.S. Exchange Program and passed the level 2 test on German firefighting. She is continuing her professional development with participation in an Essentials of Firefighting course and an EMT course.
Jadhav’s exceptional dedication and enthusiasm for firefighting makes her a standout junior firefighter. Her efforts strengthen the program, inspire her peers, and bring positive attention to the department. She embodies the true spirit of youth community involvement, setting a high standard for future generations of junior firefighters.
Junior Firefighter Program of the Year Award: West Virginia University Fire Service Extension Junior Firefighter Camp (WV)
Award sponsored by California Casualty
The West Virginia University (WVU) Fire Service Extension Junior Firefighter Camp is an immersive experience that allows Explorers, Cadets, and junior firefighters to explore the various aspects of the fire service, from basic skills to live fire training.
Campers (ages 14-17) are paired with a “teammate” for the week to stress the concepts of teamwork, safety, and mutual responsibility. Participants are then divided into companies and battalions, where they elect company officers and battalion chiefs from their groups. These actions are designed to build trust and confidence, instill a sense of responsibility and pride, and reinforce key concepts of chain of command and problem solving within the group. The companies design their own patch/banner to symbolize their pride in the firefighter profession.
Safety is stressed at frequent junctures throughout the program, with multiple personnel accountability reports conducted every day. Attendees receive certifications in CPR/First Aid and other skills and are eligible to receive up to five Eagle Scout merit badges for those involved in Scouting. Campers rotate through skills and lesson stations including ropes and knots, ladders, hazardous materials, search and rescue, confined spaces, water rescue, vehicle fires, structural fires, forcible entry, history and traditions of the fire profession, and more. The six-day camp culminates with an evening live burn demonstration for campers’ families so that they can see what participants learned and experienced, followed by a graduation where campers earn their certificates.
Campers also enjoy fun, relaxing activities, including pool time, a pizza party, and other activities scattered throughout the week, where they build friendships and bonds that last for years.
Throughout the duration of camp, attendees are supported by a network of vetted and trained adult supervisors, who not only provide instruction, but also provide support, coaching, and counseling for attendees who may be experiencing their first time away from home.
Since the inception of the camp in 2006, more than 1,330 junior firefighters from across 20 states and the Sioux Nation have graduated from the WVU Fire Service Extension Junior Firefighter Camp. Many campers return to camp to volunteer and provide support, and many participants go on to join the firefighter/first responder profession.
E. James Monihan Director Award: Brian McQueen (NY)
Award sponsored by Provident
The NVFC bestows the E. James Monihan Director Award to board members whose remarkable achievements on the board exemplify outstanding performance and have gone above normal commitments. Brian McQueen, NVFC director from New York, is the epitome of that description. In his 14 years on the NVFC board, he has consistently gone above and beyond for the NVFC and for the nation’s volunteer fire and emergency services.
Among McQueen’s lasting contributions to the emergency services is his fight against firefighter cancer. With cancer rates among firefighters alarmingly high due to exposure risks – and having suffered through a cancer diagnosis and treatment himself – McQueen has made it his mission to protect the nation’s responders from this threat. As previous chair of the NVFC’s Cancer Subcommittee and current vice chair of the NVFC’s Health, Safety, and Training Committee, McQueen has been a tireless champion and advocate.
McQueen helped get the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act introduced and passed in Congress. It was signed into law in July 2018 and reauthorized in 2024. The legislation created a national database to collect occupational information to better understand and reduce cancers among firefighters. McQueen was also a driving force to get a presumptive law passed in New York that provides volunteer firefighters with assistance in the event of a cancer diagnosis.
In addition, McQueen and late NVFC board member James P. Seavey, Sr. worked with the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) to create the Lavender Ribbon Report: Best Practices for Preventing Firefighter Cancer to provide specific actions firefighters can take to reduce their exposure risks. McQueen subsequently spearheaded and co-authored the Lavender Ribbon Report Update to further motivate firefighters to take these actions.
McQueen is a strong advocate in all areas of firefighter health and safety, and he co-authored the guide Training Volunteer Firefighters to Be Combat Ready, released by the NVFC in partnership with VCOS and the International Society of Fire Service Instructors. He has taught many courses and written many articles on behalf of the NVFC and can always be counted on to provide his time and expertise to help the NVFC further its mission.
McQueen and his wife, Sarah, live in Whitesboro, NY.
About the Award Sponsors
About the NVFC
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, emergency medical, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides critical advocacy, resources, programs, and education for first responders across the nation.
About California Casualty
Founded in 1914, California Casualty offers auto and home insurance to firefighters, peace officers, educators, and nurses. Backed by their STAR Promise®, the company provides coverage that is Simple, Trusted, Affordable, and Right for you. Learn more about their exclusive protection options and discounts at www.calcas.com/nvfc.
About Darley
Founded in 1908, W. S. Darley & Co. is a family owned and operated business which manufactures and distributes firefighting and defense equipment. Their mission is to passionately serve the world's first responder and tactical communities by providing high quality, safe and innovative products with unmatched commitment and service. Darley is headquartered in Itasca, IL, and has manufacturing, engineering and operations in Chippewa Falls, WI, Janesville, IA, and Grand Rapids, MI. For more information, please call 800-323-0244 or visit www.darley.com.
About Provident
With more than 95 years’ experience, Provident continues to be a pioneer in developing customized insurance programs for ESOs, FDs, firefighters, EMS providers, police officers, arson investigators, and other public servants. For more information about Provident, please visit their web site at www.providentins.com.
About VFIS
VFIS is the largest provider of insurance, education, and consulting services to emergency service organizations such as fire departments, ambulance and rescue squads, and 911 centers. They have a long history of helping the emergency service community protect their assets and manage their exposure to loss. They pioneered the first tailored insurance package and formed a program for emergency service organizations. VFIS drafted the first specialized insurance policy in 1969 and continues to be the leader in the industry, insuring more emergency service organizations than any other provider.
About Ward Diesel Filter Systems
Automatic and vehicle-mounted, Ward Diesel NO SMOKE Systems offer diesel exhaust protection on scene, in the station – anywhere you need it. Building modifications are not required for installation and there are no mechanical pieces to be attached by the firefighter when exiting and returning to the station. NO SMOKE is the only diesel exhaust removal solution on the market today that provides complete protection against harmful diesel exhaust both inside and outside the fire station. Visit www.warddiesel.com or call 800-845-4665 to learn more.
