Military Fire Fighter Heritage Foundation
SAN ANGELO, Texas — The Military Fire Fighter Heritage Foundation (MFHF) is pleased to announce that Chief William D. (Bill) Killen of Church Hill, Tenn., will receive the Foundation’s 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award. The annual award recognizes individuals for outstanding professional achievements during their 20-year tenure with the Department of Defense (DOD), specifically major contributions to the Department of Defense (DOD) Fire Emergency Services, and community leadership and involvement.
Chief Killen began his firefighting career at the Naval Propellant Plant in Indian Head, Md. in 1960. He steadily rose through the military fire service to become Chief of several jurisdictions and held the position of Director, Navy Fire & Emergency Services, NAVFACENGCOM in Washington, DC from 1985 to 2004. Throughout his career, Chief Killen has distinguished himself as a respected leader with numerous fire service organizations. He served as President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs from 2005 to 2006 and is a Charter member with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International.
In 2001, Chief Killen implemented the Navy’s Fire Department Self-Assessment Program and is credited for integrating National Fire Academy Training Courses with the Navy Fire Officer Development Program. In recognition of his contributions and expertise, Chief Killen has received many awards and citations, including the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service and was the Inductee #1 of the Navy Fire and Emergency Services Hall of Fame.
“Chief Killen is a highly-respected, knowledgeable and admired leader within the DOD Fire Emergency Services, and he exemplifies what so many of us aspire to,” said Mike Robertson, President of the MFHF. “We could not be more pleased to present this prestigious award to Bill.”
Chief Killen will be honored on May 13th at the Annual Military Firefighter Heritage Foundation Awards Dinner, in San Angelo Texas.