Fire Service Essay Competition returns with artificial intelligence prompt
Iain Hoey
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Essay Competition opens with AI prompt
Darley has opened the fifth annual Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Competition in collaboration with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), focusing on how artificial intelligence could improve firefighter health, wellness and safety over the next two years.
Darley announced that submissions are now open for the Essay Competition.
The prompt asks fire and rescue personnel to address how artificial intelligence can be applied in operational contexts.
The competition receives over 90 entries each year from firefighters, company officers and chief officers across the country.
Identified areas include incident reporting and staffing models.
The brief also highlights wildfire prediction, roadway risk forecasting and fire-based EMS operations where artificial intelligence tools are already in use.
Essay Competition rules and topic areas
Darley said the competition follows a Tier 3 AI usage standard.
Writers may use generative AI tools to brainstorm, organise thinking and refine outlines.
All final text must be written by the author in their own words.
Any use of artificial intelligence must be disclosed.
Entries may be screened using AI-detection tools.
Suggested topics include virtual and augmented reality staff rides.
Other areas include predictive analytics for wildland and all-hazard incidents.
Further examples include decision-support tools for EMS, hazmat and technical rescue operations, along with fatigue tracking and injury trend analysis.
Essay Competition prizes and comments
Darley Chief Executive Officer & Chairman Paul Darley said: “The people best positioned to shape how AI gets used in the fire service are the ones on shift.
“Sometimes the best ideas in the fire service don’t always make it past the apparatus bay.
“We built this competition because writing is an act of leadership, and we want you to use this platform to spotlight your ideas and create discussion amongst industry peers.”
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Director of Fire Programs Danny Kistner said: “Artificial intelligence is not a replacement for firefighter judgment; it is a force multiplier for firefighter survivability.
“By combining AI with immersive staff rides, predictive modeling, and resilience-building programs, we can help departments see risk sooner, train with greater realism, and support their people long before and long after the call.
“This directly aligns with the NFFF mission—to honor our fallen by doing everything possible to reduce preventable deaths and injuries.
“We invite you to join this competition and submit your ideas for how AI can further this mission in the fire service.”
Winners receive cash prizes, present at events including the Texas A&M Leadership Conference and FRI and are published by Fire Engineering, Firehouse, CRACKYL and FireRescue1.
The competition was conceived by Garry Briese and is sponsored by Darley in collaboration with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
