Medal of Valor Award

The Medal of Valor Award, presented annually by the Eastern Division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (EDIAFC), recognizes firefighters who demonstrate extraordinary courage in life-saving efforts. This prestigious honor celebrates exceptional acts of bravery in the face of peril, acknowledging the unwavering commitment of firefighters to their communities.

Award Criteria

The Medal of Valor Award is conferred upon individuals who, during a rescue situation, display heroic actions that save or attempt to save lives—whether civilian or firefighter. While typically presented to one firefighter annually, the award may recognize multiple individuals when circumstances dictate.

To maintain the award's prestigious standing, nominees are selected from the most recent valor award recipients within the jurisdictions that comprise the Eastern Division. State fire chiefs and firemen’s organizations are encouraged to submit their top candidates for consideration by the Medal of Valor Award Committee.

Recognition and Presentation

Award recipients are honored during the Eastern Division Conference. Additionally, they are recognized with an individual Medal of Valor and a Certificate of Recognition at a meeting of their respective State Fire Chiefs Association.

Nomination Process

To nominate a firefighter for the Medal of Valor Award, state organizations are asked to forward their most recent awardees to the Medal of Valor Committee. For further details, or to submit a nomination, please contact a committee member from your state or email the committee at ediafcexecdir@gmail.com.

Recent Recipients of the Medal of Valor Award

• 2023: Chief Frank Schoeffler, Port Penn Fire Co., Delaware

• 2022: FF/EMT/SWRT William Krupa and FF/EMT/SWRT Jordan Edgerton, Hockessin Fire Company, Delaware

• 2021: No Conference (COVID-19)

• 2020: Assistant Chief Michael Hignutt, South Bowers Fire Co., Delaware, and Citizen Timothy Smith

• 2019: Captain Austin Moorhead, Past Chief Robert J. Davis, Captain Jonathan Burnett, and Firefighter Jason Sacco, Clayton Fire Company, Delaware

• 2018: Firefighter Jeffrey Scire, Independence Fire Co., Maryland

Previous recipients have also hailed from Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, and New Jersey, showcasing the exceptional dedication of firefighters throughout the Eastern Division.

EDIAFC Member Benefits

Medal of Valor Award recipients gain access to numerous IAFC member benefits, including:

• KnowledgeNet: A professional networking platform for fire and emergency services.

• Daily Dispatch & Bugle Brief: Essential updates on fire service programs, education, and training.

• Exclusive Access: Information on IAFC and Eastern Division conferences, as well as access to the IAFC and EDIAFC stores.

For more information, email ediafcexecdir@gmail.com.

The Eastern Division of the IAFC proudly celebrates the bravery, service, and commitment of firefighters who risk their lives to protect others.