Awards Program
The Georgia State Firefighters Association (GSFA) provides recognition opportunities for outstanding firefighters through its award program. Since 1972, GSFA has recognized firefighters through its annual recognition program.
Award Recipients are recognized at the Georgia Fire Service Conference in September and at the Firefighters Recognition Day ceremonies held at the State Capitol in February.
Awards are given in the following areas:
- Firefighter of the Year
- Rookie of the Year
- Educator of the Year
- Company Officer of the Year
- Instructor of the Year
- Life Saving Valor Award: Report of Meritorious Act
- Dave Gray Memorial Firefighter Leadership Award
2026 Award Recipients
- Rookie Firefighter of the Year: Joshua Theus (Warner Robins Fire Department)
- Firefighter of the Year: Lee White (Warner Robins Fire Department)
- Instructor of the Year: Travis Porter (Clayton County Fire & Emergency Services)
- Company Officer of the Year: Michael Stone (Macon Bibb County Fire Department)
- Dave Gray Leadership Award: David Sargenski (Woodstock Fire Department)
- Lifesaving Valor Award: Steven Teal (Northside Volunteer Fire Department)
- Lifesaving Valor Award: Jonathon Fetters & Nathan Gray (Spalding County Fire Department)
- Lifesaving Valor Award: Matthew Willingham (Menlo Fire Department)
