The results are in, and we are happy to announce the IAFF’s 2023 Media Awards winners!
The annual contest recognizes both IAFF affiliates and journalists who have displayed exceptional communications and media coverage promoting public safety and the advancement of the fire service.
The 39 winners below were selected from over 200 nominations and best celebrate the work of the fire service, raise awareness of important labor issues, and highlight the role that the IAFF and its members play in keeping the public safe. Nominations include items published between Jun. 1, 2022 and Aug. 31, 2023.
Submissions for the 2024 Media Awards will accepted in Sept. 2024!
Affiliate Categories
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 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 MDA Outreach Project
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
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)
Best Column, Editorial, or Opinion Post (Print or Digital)
Best Investigative Reporting (Print or Digital)
