Recognition for long-term public safety efforts in Washington state

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has reported that Shawneri Guzman has been named the 2025 Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year.

Guzman is a fire and life safety educator at South County Fire in Washington state.

She will be formally recognised during the Stars at Night Awards gala at the NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas on Sunday 15 June.

The NFPA stated that the annual award is presented to one educator based in the United States or Canada who is employed by a fire department or fire marshal’s office and has shown consistent commitment to using NFPA’s educational tools.

The association added that recipients must demonstrate strong community engagement and innovation in addressing fire safety education.

Use of NFPA programmes and digital tools cited in award decision

The NFPA said Guzman was selected due to her continued integration of NFPA education programmes and tools into local initiatives since joining South County Fire in 2017.

It noted that she has applied NFPA resources to expand public awareness on topics including cooking safety, escape planning and older adult fire prevention.

According to the NFPA, Guzman also uses CRAIG 1300, a community risk assessment platform developed by NFPA, to analyse local demographics and design targeted public outreach.

The association stated that her approach to data-informed safety planning has contributed to improved community understanding of fire risks and preventative measures.

Additional safety initiatives and community impact

The NFPA reported that Guzman supports a wide range of injury prevention efforts beyond fire safety.

It said these include child passenger safety and advocacy for working smoke alarms in homes at the point of sale, including her involvement in the passing of the Gibby Act in Washington.

The association also noted her support for refugee communities through inclusive safety education.

Upcoming recognition at NFPA Conference and Expo

According to the NFPA, Guzman will be recognised at its annual Stars at Night Awards gala.

The event will be held on Sunday 15 June in Las Vegas as part of the 2025 NFPA Conference & Expo.

The NFPA added that the gala serves to honour professionals who have made measurable contributions to fire and life safety across North America.

Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year 2025 awarded to Washington official: Summary

Shawneri Guzman has been named the 2025 Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year.

The announcement was made by the National Fire Protection Association.

Guzman is employed by South County Fire in Washington state.

She will receive the award at the Stars at Night Awards gala on 15 June.

The gala will take place during the NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas.

The NFPA said the award recognises educators using its resources to improve fire safety.

It said Guzman integrates NFPA programmes into her department and local community.

She uses CRAIG 1300 to develop risk-informed outreach strategies.

The NFPA stated that she promotes smoke alarm use, cooking safety and education for older adults.

It also highlighted her work on child injury prevention and smoke alarm legislation.

She was involved in the passage of the Gibby Act in Washington.

The association said she supports refugee communities through her outreach.

The NFPA described her as having over 20 years of safety education experience.

She joined South County Fire in 2017.