2026 Director's Fire Achievement Awards

The Director’s Fire Achievement Awards are the highest awards bestowed by the National Park Service for outstanding achievements in reducing risk, preventing fires, and effective wildland fire management.

The awards recognize significant achievements that advance the mission and contribute to fire safety and prevention within the structural fire and wildland fire programs. Award recipients are nominated by fellow National Park Service staff and selected by a panel from the Division of Fire and Aviation Management.

Fire Prevention and Protection Award - Individual Structural Fire Champion

This award recognizes the achievements of an employee at the park, regional, or national level who has demonstrated a commitment to the prevention of structural fires throughout the previous year. This could be through the completion of a single project, such as overseeing the installation of smoke detectors or fire sprinklers, or promoting fire protection through an effective education or communication program.

Chief Ranger Danny Romes NPS Photo

Daniel Romes

Chief Ranger, Structural Fire Park Program Manager, Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park strengthened its structural fire prevention program under the leadership of Chief Ranger Danny Romes. Working with the park’s interdisciplinary team—which includes facility management, housing, concessions, and emergency services—Danny helped improve overall fire safety across the park.

This collaborative approach led to major progress, including completing 100% of safety inspections for park and concession facilities and more than 90% of alarm and suppression system maintenance.

The park’s fire brigade was also revived and resumed response readiness. Staff participated in Fire Fighter I/II training to empower the park’s employees and volunteers to be vigilant and proactive.

Fire Prevention and Protection Award - Structural Fire Team or Group

This award recognizes the achievements of a team or group at the park, regional, or national level who has demonstrated a commitment to the prevention of structural fires throughout the previous year. This could be through the completion of a single project, such as overseeing the installation of smoke detectors or fire sprinklers, or promoting fire protection through an effective education or communication program.

Fire Protection Specialists Rob Rothwell (left) and William "Bill" Dudek (right) NPS photo

Rob Rothwell & William "Bill" Dudek

Fire Protection Specialists, Midwest Regional Office

Under the leadership of Chief Ranger Tim Coyler, the Midwest Region Structural Fire Team demonstrated exceptional leadership in 2025. The team brought on staff early which allowed for seamless transitions and operational readiness throughout the year’s fire seasons.

The team gave three multi-region Fire Inspector courses, trained 70 inspectors, supported the National Park Service’s Fire Academy, and taught six national structural fire classes. They also conducted 10 cost-saving program reviews, served as Fire Code Officials, provided expertise as technical specialists for major events, and contributed to task groups including app development for fire inspections.

Overall, the team exemplified excellence in fire safety, efficiency, and innovation across the National Park Service. Results for the Midwest Region included:

• Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives (FLSI) rose from 22% to 93% compliance
• Adoption of the FLSI Quick Reference Guide and housing safety packet became standard across all National Park Service regions
• Park Structural Fire Coordinator (PSFC) identification reached 100%
• Training compliance improved from 79% to 97%
• Spatial Fire Management Plan (SFMP) compliance grew from 66% to 90%
• Midwest Region rose from 5th to 1st in the National Park Service fire management compliance

Fire Prevention and Protection Award - External Partner or Volunteer

This award recognizes the achievements of an external partner or volunteer who has demonstrated a commitment to the prevention of structural fires throughout the previous year. This could be through the completion of a single project, such as overseeing the installation of smoke detectors or fire sprinklers, or promoting fire protection through an effective education or communication program.

Ron Harris

Fire Chief for Bryce Canyon City Volunteer/Tropic Volunteer Fire Departments, Non-National Park Service

Ron Harris was the fire expert in Garfield County, Utah, for three decades, serving as chief of Bryce Canyon City and Tropic Volunteer Fire Departments. He regularly responded to incidents in Bryce Canyon National Park and strengthened collaboration by involving National Park Service firefighters in bimonthly and special training with the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy.

Ron’s leadership and dedication were an invaluable help supporting the park’s fire management needs and the fire engine company. He used his experience as a long-time Utah Fire and Rescue Academy instructor to provide specialized and focused training to support the park’s ability to respond to fires.

Ron also expanded local response capacity by recruiting and training new personnel, making mutual aid possible for Bryce Canyon National Park.

Director's Awards

Learn more about the Director's Fire Achievement Awards.

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