Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Honor Chiefs Compton, Siarnicki

LOS ANGELES-- During the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association's annual conference, Chief Dennis Compton and Chief Ronald Siarnicki of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), received one of the most prestigious honors.

Compton, who served with the Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona, Fire Departments, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his long-term commitment to improve the fire and rescue services through operational applications, education and leadership. He serves as NFFF vice chairman.

NFFF Executive Director Siarnicki received the Presidents Award of Distinction for his efforts in his fire service career, and his leadership with the NFFF.

Both men accepted the awards at a ceremony at the Globe Theatre in Universal City Studios in California.

Hal Bruno, chairman of the NFFF, stated: "It is a great honor for the Foundation to have Chief Siarnicki and Chief Compton's leadership recognized by their peers in the Metro Chiefs Association."

In addition, Sir Ken Knight, London's Fire Commissioner, was recognized as the Metropolitan Fire Chief of the Year.

The Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association is made up exclusively of fire chiefs from the largest fire departments in the world. They meet annually for educational opportunities, business matters and to recognize outstanding achievements in those three categories. The parent organizations for this international group are the International Association of Fire Chiefs and The National Fire Protection Association.

The NFFF was created by the United States Congress in 1992 for the purpose of honoring each firefighter who has died in the line of duty in the United States. They also help survivors with rebuilding their lives.

In addition, the foundation continues to work with the fire service to prevent firefighter line-of-duty deaths through its "Everyone Goes Home" program. The foundation is a 501c3, non-profit organization incorporated in the State of Maryland.

For more information, please contact the NFFF at 410-721-6212 or visit any of the following websites: www.firehero.org, www.everyonegoeshome.com, , , .