NFPA Awards 2023 James M. Shannon Advocacy Medal to Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki
June 19, 2023 — The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) has announced that Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki has received the James M. Shannon Advocacy Medal for 2023. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to reducing fire loss and advancing safety through advocacy. Chief Siarnicki received his award at the Stars at Night awards gala held on June 18th, in Las Vegas, as part of the annual NFPA Conference and Expo.
Beginning his career in the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department, Chief Siarnicki quickly rose through the ranks, making substantial contributions to fire safety. He played a key role in the team that enforced fire sprinkler requirements in 1987. His contributions in Prince George's County served as a model for other jurisdictions and eventually became law in the State of Maryland, leading to countless lives saved across the state.
In 2001, Chief Siarnicki transitioned to a national role as the Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). In this capacity, he has managed the Foundation's strategic vision, and has been instrumental in its development and fundraising efforts.
His steadfast commitment to firefighter safety led to the creation of the Everyone Goes Home® (EGH) Program in 2004. This program, which includes the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives, serves as a blueprint to reduce preventable line-of-duty deaths and injuries across the fire service.
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About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Founded in 1896, NFPA® is a global, self-funded, nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards. The association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach, and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. For more information visit www.nfpa.org. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free at www.nfpa.org/freeaccess.
