The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is calling for nominations for the 2021 James M. Shannon Advocacy Medal, which recognises fire and life safety advocates who have made significant contributions in lessening losses from fire, electrical, and other hazards.

Named for former NFPA President James Shannon, the award honors individuals or groups that champion cost-effective efforts and collaboration, while furthering NFPA’s mission.

As part of his long list of advocacy achievements in fire loss reduction, Shannon led the Coalition for Fire-Safe Cigarettes, paving the way for legislation on minimum fire safety standards for cigarettes in each state.

“The dedication these recipients exhibit towards creating safer communities is invaluable,” says Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “This award is our way of thanking them for lending their voices and taking actions towards improving life safety.”

NFPA considers nominees who are members of the fire service or any individual or group whose advocacy efforts meet the award’s criteria. The medal recipient will be announced later in 2021. Previous recipients have worked to increase use of sprinklers, advocated for the use of updated codes, and other activities.

The nominee application is available for download and can be sent to [email protected] until the submission period closes on January 29, 2021.