Fire and Rescue Award Categories

Click here to go to the nomination form. 

Gold Medal of Valor - Nominee risked his/her life to save other life/lives. Act must be extraordinary in nature, above and beyond what is expected of fire and rescue members. Act must be selfless and performed voluntarily.

Silver Medal of Honor - Nominee faced possible or probable personal risk. Act should epitomize the "Citizens First Because WE Care" motto. Act may be performed voluntarily or under order in the line of duty.

Bronze Medal of Merit - Nominee performed service within the Division or community in relation to the mission of the Division of Fire & Rescue. Single act or several acts may be considered. Act is above and beyond the scope of normal duties; showing personal commitment, initiative, and innovation. Act brought definite positive distinction to the Division of Fire & Rescue.

Fire Chief's Award - This award is presented to a Division member, community leader, or business partner in recognition of their dedication, significant contributions, achievements, character, and long-term dedication to the Hampton Division of Fire & Rescue. Selection is made solely at the discretion of the Fire Chief based on the individual's performance of duties, leadership, teamwork, creativity, and customer service.  The recipient must demonstrate the ability to lead and to follow, and possess an exceptional aptitude to positively influence or inspire others. The recipient is a team player who supports the efforts of others to achieve the goals of the Division, engages in constructive criticism that leads to enhancements in the delivery of services, goes well beyond the call of duty in a manner that exemplifies competency, initiative, and creativity in problem-solving.

R. "Lee" Webb Award - This is presented to the member of the Division whose efforts and commitment to the organization epitomizes the dedication to duty exemplified by Battalion Chief R. "Lee" Webb. The recipient acts and encourages others to act for the good of the community and its members, demonstrates commitment to creating and /or valuing diversity, seeks new levels of excellence in service, and serves as a role model to others through positive interactions, shows a breadth of perspective that results in opportunities to significantly impact the community by improving current practices, improving service levels, or demonstrating leadership by helping others to reach higher potential, willingly sharing knowledge and contributing to the development of others as well as inspiring others to follow his/her example or tireless dedication.

Officer of the Year Award - This award is presented to the member of the Division who has not received any disciplinary action during the nomination period and serves honorably by exhibiting, on a regular basis, an extraordinary commitment to effective leadership of those under his/her command, and who has earned the trust and respect of subordinates and peers. This may be evidenced through selfless acts during fire operations, emergency medical service delivery, or on behalf of the community, including but not limited to the city of Hampton. The recipient maintains the response readiness of his/her crew by implementing, supporting, and enforcing safety policies to improve firefighter safety; mentors or arranges for the mentoring of new and current personnel to improve education and skills in preparation for a career in the fire-rescue service; improves the operational effectiveness of the Division through fiscally responsible management and productive working relationships with Division members and city officials; and broadens interest in the Division's activities through involvement in the community. Heroic acts may be part of the nomination, but not the basis.

Firefighter of the Year - This award is presented to the member of the Division who has successfully passed the probationary period, has not received any disciplinary action during the nomination period, and has demonstrated superior knowledge, skill and ability on a routine basis throughout the year. Additionally, the recipient has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to firefighting. This can be evidenced by outstanding actions on the fireground or at other functions in the community. The recipient acts and encourages others to act for the good of the community and its members, demonstrates commitment to creating and/or valuing diversity, seeks new levels of excellence in service, and serves as a role model to others through positive interactions. Heroic acts may be part of the nomination, but not the basis.

EMS Provider of the Year - This is presented to the member of the Division who has successfully passed the probationary period, has not received any disciplinary action during the nomination period, and has distinguished themselves as the exceptional medical provider through their depth of knowledge and application of skills throughout the year, acts and encourages others to act for the good of the community and its members, demonstrates commitment to creating and/or valuing diversity, seeks new levels of excellence in service, and serves as a role model to others through positive interactions. Heroic acts may be part of the nomination, but not the basis.

Civilian Employee of the Year - This is presented to the civilian employee of the Division who has received no disciplinary action during the nomination period and has contributed significantly to the advancement of the Division's mission through exceptional sustained performance, leadership, teamwork, initiative, creativity, customer service competency, and professionalism.

Volunteer of the Year - This is presented to the volunteer who has, in addition to the commitment of his/her time, brought positive distinction to themselves and the Division, acts and encourages others to act for the good of the community and its members, demonstrates commitment to creating and/or valuing diversity, seeks new levels of excellence in service, and serves as a role model to others through positive interactions, and who has not received any disciplinary action during the nomination period. Heroic acts may be part of the nomination, but not the basis.

Rookie of the Year - This award is presented to the member of the Division who has successfully completed the Hampton Roads Fire Academy and is still within his/her first year of graduation, has completed their rookie book, has not received any disciplinary action during the nomination period, and has demonstrated superior knowledge, skill and ability on a routine basis throughout the year. Additionally, the recipient has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to learning outside of the Academy environment. This can be evidenced by outstanding actions in the station, on the fireground and in the community. The recipient acts and encourages others to act for the good of the department and the community we serve while seeking new levels of excellence in service. 

Telecommunicator of the Year - This award is presented to a dispatcher who, throughout the year demonstrated exceptional skills and superior performance while performing job duties related to the fire department. The recipient shows a general willingness to help others and promote teamwork as well as keeping a good rapport with Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue employees and co-workers. The COMSEC supervisors will also need to approve the recipient.

CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION

Commendations are awarded to individuals or any organizational component within the Division in recognition of outstanding meritorious service or achievement related to the specific criteria list for each commendation. Commendations are NOT annual awards and may be awarded throughout the year if the nominations meet the criteria determined by the OOP board members. 

Citations - Citations are awarded to individuals or any organizational component within the Division in recognition of outstanding meritorious service or achievement.

Chain of Survival - An individual or individuals (dispatcher or HFDR employee) who's prehospital diagnosis, care and treatment, prior to arrival at the hospital, directly contributed to the positive outcome of a patient. (Examples include STEMI, CVA, ROSC or Traumas.)

Distinguished Service Award - Members of the Division who exemplify the HFDR motto. The recipient(s) goes above and beyond their regular duties and has achieved a higher professional standard. This award can have multiple recipients throughout the year.

Lifesaving - This award is given to individual(s) whose direct actions contributed to saving a life and whose personal actions were directly responsible for the lifesaving act. 

Safety Initiative - Awarded to an individual(s) who demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the well-being of the Department. The recipient will have made valuable contributions to the safety and health and wellness of the organization and have a significant impact on the implementation and achievement of the Department's goals and standards. 

Veteran’s Recognition - Individual(s) who served or are still serving in our military. Recipient(s) must be active duty, veterans or in the reserves. 

Link to nomination form.