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2023 Winners

Recognizing the standout communications, journalism, and visual storytelling that captured the spirit and service of IAFF members in 2023.

Media Awards

In This Section

Affiliate Categories

Highlighting the voices and efforts of IAFF locals across North America.
Celebrating innovative union communications, campaigns, and community impact.

Best Newsletter or Magazine (circulation less than 1,000)

1st: Long Beach Fire Fighters, Long Beach, CA Local 372

2nd: Eric Lowe, Strathcona County Fire Fighters Local 2461

3rd: Harry T. Conway Baltimore, MD Local 964

Best Newsletter or Magazine (circulation more than 1,000)

1st: SAPFFA Communications Team San Antonio, TX Local 624

2nd: John Riddle, Brandon Day & Erin Powers, Texas State Association of Fire Fighters

3rd: Gregory Haddad, Boston, MA Local 718

Best Political Campaign Messaging

1st: Central County Professional Firefighters Local 2665

2nd: Jimmy Blackman & Associates, Centro Strategies

3rd: Los Angeles County Fire Fighters Local 1014

Best MDA Outreach Project

1st: MDA Committee Bangor, ME Local 772

2nd: Reno Fire Fighters Local 731

Best Public Safety Campaign

1st: II Erik Scott & Community Liaison Office Los Angeles City, CA Local 112

2nd: Lindsey Rogers & Chattanooga, TN Local 820

3rd: Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin, Local A47

Best Fire Service Photo (not previously published) Taken by an IAFF Member

1st: Patrick Lancton, Beau Moreno & Paul Bivens Houston, TX Local 341

2nd: Nathan Gavreau Strathcona County Fire Fighters Local 2461

3rd: Daniel Gonska City of Olean, NY Local 1796

Best Social Media Account

1st: Keith Wade & Wendy Aguilar Sacramento, CA Local 522

2nd: IAFF Local 2864 Fire Fighters

3rd: Lee Lax, Scott Rose, & Rebecca McNeil Vancouver, BC Local 18

Journalist Categories

Recognizing excellence in storytelling, reporting, and visual coverage
Celebrating the journalists who inform, engage, and elevate public understanding

Best News Story/Series (Print)

1st: Tom Ayers, CBC News

2nd: Julie Johnson, Stephen Lam, Yoohyun Jung, John Blanchard, & Erin Caughey San Francisco Chronicle  

3rd: Kayla M. Trevino, Advertiser-Tribune

Best News Story/Series (Broadcast)

1st: 9News – Denver, CO

2nd: Jill Sperling, Rylee Fitzgerald & Anthony Clark, Apple Valley News Now

3rd: Sabrina Ullman, WDIO

Best Feature/Series (Print)

1st: Tom Hallman Jr., The Oregonian

2nd: Jane Stevenson, Toronto Sun       

3rd: Caitlin Clarkson Pereira Fairfield, CT Local 1426

Best Feature/Series (Broadcast)

1st: Laura Landry, WEDU PBS

2nd: Michael Hernandez, LA CityView 35

3rd: Jeremy Elliott & Little Rock Fire Department Training Division, Local 34

Best Published Photograph (Print or Digital)

1st: Glenn Duda, Firehouse Magazine

2nd: Dexter Dong, Sumodog

3rd: JD Fitzgerald, Nightclaw Media

Best Column, Editorial, or Opinion Post (Print or Digital)

1st: Houston Chronicle Editorial Board

2nd: Caitlin Clarkson Pereira Fairfield, CT Local 1426

 Best Investigative Reporting (Print or Digital)

1st: 9News – Denver, CO

2nd: Maxine Streicher and Layne Blank, WBFF