Pierce Manufacturing Inc., a division of Oshkosh Corporation, alongside the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), has announced the honorees for the 2025 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year. This year's award recipients are Volunteer Fire Chief Daniel Krushinski from East Franklin Fire Department, Somerset, New Jersey, and Career Fire Chief Jeremy Craft from Lehi Fire Department, Lehi, Utah. The IAFC has been acknowledging exceptional service by presenting these awards to one volunteer and one career fire chief annually since 1996.
The selection process for the IAFC Fire Chief of the Year involves a committee that assesses nominees based on their leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, public service, and contributions to the fire service. The awards ceremony took place during the Fire-Rescue International (FRI) gathering in Orlando, Florida. Bob Schulz, president of Pierce Manufacturing, expressed his admiration: “We are honored to recognize two extraordinary leaders whose passion for the fire service and dedication to their communities set the standard for us all.”
Volunteer Chief Daniel Krushinski has been a cornerstone of his department’s operations for over 20 years, consistently being the top-responder in a unit that handles about 750 calls each year. His efforts in innovation have led to significant advancements, such as the creation of a Water Rescue Team and the acquisition of specialized rescue boats following Hurricane Ida's impact. Beyond operations, Chief Krushinski focuses on member development, offering advanced certifications and in-house training to ensure his team is always prepared. His community involvement includes fire prevention education and outreach programs, while his Duty Crew Program has become a nationally recognized model for volunteer recruitment and retention.
Chief Jeremy Craft is celebrated for his dedication to firefighter health and safety, significantly influencing cancer prevention legislation in Utah. His advocacy has led to the implementation of presumptive cancer coverage, early screening protocols, and accountability measures for protecting firefighters. Chief Craft's leadership is evident in his coalition-building efforts, educating lawmakers, and uniting fire service leaders. His initiatives have sparked a national dialogue, promoting health and wellness priorities across the country and shaping a safer future for fire service professionals.
Both Chiefs Krushinski and Craft embody the values and standards expected within the fire service. Their achievements and unwavering dedication to their departments and communities highlight why they are rightly recognized as the 2025 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year awardees.
Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation business, in partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), is proud to announce the 2025 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year honorees.
Volunteer Fire Chief Daniel Krushinski of the East Franklin Fire Department in Somerset, New Jersey, and Career Fire Chief Jeremy Craft of the Lehi Fire Department in Lehi, Utah, have been named this year’s recipients.
Since 1996, the IAFC has annually recognized one volunteer and one career fire chief for their outstanding service.
Fire service
Nominations are evaluated by a select committee, focusing on leadership, innovation
Nominations are evaluated by a select committee, focusing on leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, public service, and contributions to the fire service. The 2025 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year awards were presented during the Fire-Rescue International (FRI) event in Orlando, Florida.
“We are honored to recognize two extraordinary leaders whose passion for the fire service and dedication to their communities set the standard for us all,” said Bob Schulz, president of Pierce Manufacturing.
“Chief Krushinski and Chief Craft embody integrity, innovation, and a commitment to serving others. Pierce Manufacturing is privileged to join the IAFC in celebrating their remarkable achievements.”
Volunteer firefighter
Chief Daniel Krushinski has devoted more than two decades to leading by example. As the top-responding volunteer firefighter year after year in a department answering approximately 750 calls annually, he demonstrates tireless commitment and inspires those around him.
Chief Krushinski’s leadership has driven meaningful innovation within the East Franklin Fire Department, including establishing a Water Rescue Team and securing specialized rescue boats in response to lessons learned from Hurricane Ida.
Beyond operational excellence, Chief Krushinski is deeply invested in developing his members. Under his guidance, firefighters pursue advanced certifications and in-house training programs to ensure readiness for any emergency.
Community service
His visionary Duty Crew Program has become a model for volunteer recruitment and retention
His integrity and dedication are mirrored in his family’s involvement—his wife and daughters actively support the department through auxiliary roles and administrative efforts.
Chief Krushinski also champions community service, from fire prevention education and summer camp outreach to annual holiday events that bring joy and safety awareness to residents.
His visionary Duty Crew Program has become a model for volunteer recruitment and retention, earning national recognition.
Career Fire Chief Honoree
Chief Jeremy Craft’s career reflects a profound commitment to firefighter health and safety
Chief Jeremy Craft’s career reflects a profound commitment to firefighter health and safety.
He has been instrumental in driving landmark cancer prevention legislation in Utah, advocating for presumptive cancer coverage, early screening protocols, and accountability measures that protect firefighters statewide.
His leadership extends beyond policy; he built coalitions, educated lawmakers, and united fire service leaders to achieve these historic reforms. Chief Craft mentors colleagues, testifies at hearings, and shares best practices with departments across the country.
Selfless approach
His unwavering integrity and selfless approach have sparked a national movement, inspiring countless fire service professionals to prioritize health and wellness initiatives. His efforts are shaping a safer future for firefighters in Utah and beyond.
Chiefs Krushinski and Craft exemplify the highest standards of leadership in the fire service. Their dedication, innovation, and service to their departments and communities make them deserving recipients of the 2025 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year award.
