The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and the International Fire Service Training Association/Fire Protection Publications/Oklahoma State University (IFSTA) are proud to announce that the late Harold R. Mace is the recipient of the 2026 CFSI/IFSTA Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education.
The award recognizes individuals for outstanding lifetime achievements at the national level in fire safety education.
The award presentation will be on March 19, 2026 at the 36th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, DC, attended by 1,500 fire and emergency officials nationwide.
Mace was the former Executive Director of IFSTA and the Emeritus Director of Fire Protection Publications (FPP).
Beginning in 1974, his influential support of fire safety education helped legitimize and institutionalize fire safety education as a core fire service mission nationwide.
He pioneered fire safety conferences that promoted resource sharing and networking and the publication of the seminal textbook on fire safety education.
Chief Mary Cameli, Chair of the IFSTA Executive Board explained: “The late Harold R. Mace’s influence on fire safety education cannot be overstated.
“His leadership at IFSTA, combined with his passion for mentoring and advancing fire safety education, helped set the foundation for how the fire service educates and protects communities today.”
Jim Estepp, President of the Congressional Fire Services Institute Board of Directions added: “The late Harold R. Mace embodied the spirit of the Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education.
“His visionary leadership, advocacy, and mentorship helped share the fire safety discipline into an essential mission of the fire service, and this award is a fitting recognition of his lasting impact.”
The award will be presented posthumously and accepted by his son, Randy Mace. Additional details about the 36th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner are available by clicking here.
The CFSI and the International Fire Service Training Association/Fire Protection Publications/Oklahoma State University are proud to announce that the late Harold R. Mace is the recipient of the 2026 CFSI/IFSTA Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education.
