The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has reported that fire, electrical, and life safety leaders from multiple countries were recognized at its 2025 Stars at Night awards gala in Las Vegas.
The ceremony took place on June 15 during the annual NFPA Conference & Expo.
The NFPA said awards were presented across a range of categories, including research, education, inspection, enforcement, and global advocacy.
According to the NFPA, the event included the Fire Protection Research Foundation Medal, Standards Medal, and the Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem Global Influencer Award.
NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley opened the event by thanking recipients and attendees for their commitment to fire and life safety.
The NFPA stated that the Fire Protection Research Foundation Medal was awarded to the WUI-NITY 4 project team for their wildfire evacuation modeling tool.
The project was described by the NFPA as connecting academic research with practical planning for wildland-urban interface (WUI) emergencies.
The Harry C. Bigglestone Award was awarded posthumously to Professors Howard R. Baum and James G. Quintiere for their research paper The Emmons Problem Revisited.
The NFPA confirmed that the $5,000 award prize was donated to the University of Maryland’s Fire Protection Engineering Program in their honor.
It said these awards recognized technical innovation and the long-term impact of scholarly work in the field of fire protection.
The NFPA announced that the 2025 Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year Award was presented to Shawneri Guzman of Washington State.
The organization said Guzman was recognized for her community-driven programs and her application of NFPA educational materials.
Robert Fahey of Wisconsin was named the 2025 Electrical Inspector of the Year.
According to the NFPA, Fahey was honored for his long-term service and commitment to training in electrical safety inspection.
It stated that these awards demonstrate the importance of grassroots education and inspection work in advancing fire and life safety outcomes.
The NFPA reported that Chief Tommy Demopoulos of Tamarac Fire Rescue in Florida was named Fire Marshal of the Year.
The award recognized his work in code enforcement and collaboration with local businesses.
Shmuel Netanel of Israel received the Distinguished Service Award for his leadership in expanding the use of NFPA standards in the Middle East.
The Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority received the Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem Global Influencer Award.
According to the NFPA, the authority was recognized for implementing systemic improvements that enhanced public safety outcomes across the United Arab Emirates.
The organization said these recipients illustrate the international scope of NFPA standards and their practical implementation.
Amy Acton was awarded the James M. Shannon Advocacy Medal.
The NFPA stated that she was honored for her work supporting burn survivors and promoting fire safety legislation.
The 2025 Standards Medal was awarded to Marcelo Hirschler, Ph.D., for his decades of technical and volunteer contributions to the standards development process.
Donald R. Cook received the Richard G. Biermann Award for his work on the National Electrical Code and long-term service to the NFPA.
According to the NFPA, these awards recognize long-term individual commitment to fire and life safety through standards development and public policy advocacy.
The recipients represented a range of disciplines but shared a common focus on volunteerism and technical excellence.
The NFPA hosted the 2025 Stars at Night awards gala on June 15 in Las Vegas.
The awards were presented during the NFPA Conference & Expo.
The WUI-NITY 4 project team received the Fire Protection Research Foundation Medal.
Professors Howard R. Baum and James G. Quintiere were posthumously awarded the Harry C. Bigglestone Award.
Shawneri Guzman was named Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year.
Robert Fahey received the Electrical Inspector of the Year Award.
Chief Tommy Demopoulos was recognized as Fire Marshal of the Year.
Shmuel Netanel received the Distinguished Service Award.
The Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority received the Global Influencer Award.
Amy Acton received the James M. Shannon Advocacy Medal.
Marcelo Hirschler was awarded the Standards Medal.
Donald R. Cook received the Richard G. Biermann Award.
All awards were attributed by the NFPA.
