Awards
The Wisconsin State Fire Inspectors Association is proud to recognize individuals and organizations making exceptional contributions to fire prevention and education through our annual awards program. These honors celebrate outstanding achievements, dedication, and service in various areas of fire safety. If you know someone deserving of recognition, we encourage you to nominate them!
To nominate an individual or organization, click the appropriate "Nomination Form" link below. If you need additional space for your nomination description, please email your supporting documentation as a Word document to treasurer@wsfia.org..
- The "Fire Inspector of the Year" award is presented by the Wisconsin State Fire Inspectors Association to an outstanding fire inspector, career or volunteer, who has demonstrated superior achievement in the area of fire prevention. This award is based upon the nominee's accomplishments, service, and reasons that qualifies them for this recognition. This award is presented at the Wisconsin State Fire Inspectors Association Annual Conference. Nomination Form
- The "Public Educator of the Year" award is presented by the Wisconsin State Fire Inspectors Association to an outstanding Public Educator, career or volunteer, who has demonstrated superior achievement in the area of fire prevention. This award is based upon the nominee's accomplishments, service, and reasons that qualifies them for this recognition. This award is presented at the Wisconsin State Fire Inspectors Association Annual Conference. Nomination Form
- The "Fire Chief of the Year" award is presented by the Wisconsin State Fire Inspectors Association to an outstanding fire chief, career or volunteer, who has demonstrated superior achievement in the area of fire prevention. This award is based upon the nominee's accomplishments, service, and reasons that qualifies them for this recognition. This award is presented at the Wisconsin State Fire Inspectors Annual Conference. Nomination Form
- The "Fire Prevention Supporter of the Year" award is presented by the Wisconsin State Fire Inspectors Association to an outstanding person or business that has demonstrated outstanding support of the fire service in the areas of fire prevention and education. This award is based upon the nominee’s willingness to promote and support fire prevention and education through fire prevention campaigns, financial support or donations, media platforms, or other means that qualifies them for this recognition. This award is presented at the Wisconsin State Fire Inspectors Annual Conference. Nomination Form
- The "Lifetime Membership" is awarded by the Wisconsin State Fire Inspectors Association to member of the Association, who has demonstrated a commitment to the Wisconsin State Fire Inspectors Association and to fire prevention. This award is based upon the nominee's accomplishments, service, and reasons that qualifies them for this recognition. This award is presented at the Wisconsin State Fire Inspectors Association Annual Conference. Nomination Form
2023 Award Winners
Fire Chief of the Year
Fire Chief of the Year
Fire Chief of the Year
Fire Chief Kevin Kloehn, a highly deserving winner of the Wisconsin State Fire Inspector Association Chief of the Year award, is being recognized for his outstanding dedication and leadership in fire inspection and safety. His commitment to community safety, resource allocation, and professional development is significantly improving the
Fire Chief Kevin Kloehn, a highly deserving winner of the Wisconsin State Fire Inspector Association Chief of the Year award, is being recognized for his outstanding dedication and leadership in fire inspection and safety. His commitment to community safety, resource allocation, and professional development is significantly improving the efficiency of our fire department, further solidifying his well-deserved victory of the award.
Inspector of the Year
Fire Chief of the Year
Fire Chief of the Year
In his 18-year career with the City of Portage, Ryan Armson has progressed from a paid-on-call member to Lieutenant Inspector. He transformed a neglected inspection program, becoming a State Certified inspector and successfully overhauling it with the FireWorks system. Ryan's outstanding work ethic and dedication have significantly elevated fire safety in our community.
Public Educator of the Year
Public Educator of the Year
Public Educator of the Year
Captain Kenny Asselin, with an extensive career at West Bend Fire/Rescue, is a highly deserving winner. His continuous community involvement and dedication to education and fire safety are evident in his commitment to mentoring, leadership, and numerous contributions to the community, including organizing charity events. These efforts exemplify his lifetime dedication to Fire and EMS.
Lifetime Membership
Public Educator of the Year
Public Educator of the Year
Guy Santelli, with a career that started at the Pleasant Prairie Fire Department, has earned various degrees in fire science and administration. Serving with the Kenosha Fire Department, he attained the role of Fire Inspector/Public Educator and actively contributed to the Wisconsin Fire Inspectors Association and NFPA code committees. In
Guy Santelli, with a career that started at the Pleasant Prairie Fire Department, has earned various degrees in fire science and administration. Serving with the Kenosha Fire Department, he attained the role of Fire Inspector/Public Educator and actively contributed to the Wisconsin Fire Inspectors Association and NFPA code committees. In May 2018, he achieved the position of Division Chief of Fire Prevention. After retiring from the Kenosha Fire Department in December 2021, Guy maintains his dedication to fire safety with Decker Fire & Safety.