MC FIREFIGHTER FORM 2023

The Vindicator is seeking nominations for the annual Mahoning County Firefighter of the Year award, and the newspaper again is inviting the public to nominate worthy candidates.

The Vindicator plans to acknowledge and honor Mahoning County fire departments by publishing a special section Oct. 5 to help mark Fire Prevention Week, which is Oct. 8-14 this year. Each area fire department will be featured in the special section.

This is the fourth year for the Firefighter of the Year award. Past winners were Youngstown firefighter Benjamin Hendershott in 2020; Gio Melia of the Cardinal Joint Fire District in Canfield in 2021; and Anthony Yanulaitis of the Boardman Fire Department last year.

“Firefighters are an important part of the community, whether they are paid or volunteer, and we are proud to honor these brave men and women,” Sue Shafer, community events coordinator for the newspaper, said.

Being sought now from the fire chiefs and community are nominations for firefighters who have made a particular impact on a family or in a community. Nominees must serve with a fire department in Mahoning County, be at least 18, and have any rank below chief.

The 2023 Firefighter of the Year Award is sponsored by The Vindicator and SERVPRO.

Nominees will best exemplify the positive characteristics of a member of the fire service who has a notable record of:

• Dedication, including additional training and emergency response.

• Loyalty to the department and engaging in activities aimed at achieving the goals of fire service.

• Productivity by going beyond normal duties to make improvements to enhance the department and reduce fire losses.

• Professionalism exemplifying the highest standards of fire service, and demonstrating the ability to lead or follow based on the circumstances.

Nominations should include a written statement explaining why the individual being nominated meets the specific criteria. Judges will base their decision on the provided information, which also can include up to five pages of supporting documentation including news articles, fire reports and / or photos.

Nomination forms have been sent to area fire chiefs, and for the public the nomination form is available by emailing sshafer@tribtoday.com.

Nominations are due Sept. 8 to The Vindicator, Firefighter Award, 240 Franklin St. SE, Warren, OH 44483.

For additional information, contact Shafer, 330-841-1696 or sshafer@tribtoday.com.