NFPA recognises 13 individuals for standards development service in the US
Iain Hoey
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NFPA awards highlight voluntary contribution to fire code development
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has recognised 13 individuals for their contributions to standards development across the United States.
The awards were presented during the Stars at Night ceremony at the 2025 NFPA Conference & Expo, held in Las Vegas on 15 June.
The NFPA explained that the Committee Service Award is given to individuals who have shown ongoing voluntary service to the development of NFPA codes and standards.
In addition to the Committee Service Awards, one Special Achievement Award was presented in recognition of exceptional service to the NFPA’s code development work.
The Standards Council selected the award recipients based on their long-term technical committee involvement and dedication to regulatory advancement in fire safety and engineering.
Committee Service Award recognises ongoing technical involvement
12 recipients were honoured with the Committee Service Award in 2025.
The organisation said this award is designed to acknowledge individuals who have provided consistent and voluntary support as technical committee members.
The 2025 Committee Service Award recipients were:
David T. Bernzweig of the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters, based in Columbus, Ohio.
Robert J. Davidson of Davidson Code Concepts LLC, based in Easley, South Carolina.
William F. Kearns of Fred D. Pfening Company, based in Columbus, Ohio.
Chad Kennedy of Schneider Electric, based in Blythewood, South Carolina.
Dr. Timothy J. Myers of Exponent Inc., based in Natick, Massachusetts.
Michael S. O’Boyle of Philips Lightolier/Signify North America Corporation, based in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts.
Jack E. Osborn and Jason P. Reason of Airdusco Inc., based in Memphis, Tennessee, and Greenwood, Indiana, respectively.
Gregory J. Steinman of ABB Installation Products Inc., based in Memphis, Tennessee.
Robert D. Tutterow of the Fire Industry Education Resource Organization, based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Rodney J. West of Schneider Electric, based in Oxford, Ohio.
Harry P. Winer of HIP Consulting LLC, based in Ashland, Massachusetts.
The NFPA noted that each recipient had played a role in advancing the standards process across multiple disciplines in the fire safety and protection sectors.
Special Achievement Award presented to Maryland-based contributor
The NFPA confirmed that the Special Achievement Award for 2025 was presented to Richard Garber of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department in Manheim, Pennsylvania.
This award is given for distinguished contributions to NFPA projects or activities that do not fall within the scope of a single technical committee.
Garber was recognised for his exceptional impact on codes and standards through work that has extended beyond committee-level responsibilities.
The organisation said the Special Achievement Award highlights contributions that advance safety knowledge, develop practical tools, or demonstrate commitment to fire protection efforts in ways not captured by other awards.
The NFPA added that recipients are chosen by the Standards Council, which is appointed by the NFPA Board of Directors and consists of 13 members.
It also noted that the Council is responsible for overseeing standards development activities and ensuring compliance with NFPA’s rules and regulations.
NFPA recognises 13 individuals for standards development service in the US: Summary
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) held its 2025 Stars at Night awards on 15 June during its annual Conference & Expo in Las Vegas.
Thirteen individuals were recognised for their service to standards development in the United States.
Twelve recipients received the Committee Service Award for voluntary work on NFPA technical committees.
One recipient received the Special Achievement Award for contributions outside committee-specific activities.
The Committee Service Award recipients included representatives from organisations in Ohio, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Indiana, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Richard Garber of Anne Arundel County Fire Department was the recipient of the Special Achievement Award.
The awards were selected by the NFPA Standards Council.
The Council is appointed by the NFPA Board of Directors.
It oversees standards development, ensures regulatory compliance, and serves as an appeals body.
The Council also presides over the annual NFPA Technical Meeting.