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Veteran Md. outreach coordinator receives CFSI award for fire safety education

Teresa Crisman is the recipient of the IFSTA Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education

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Teresa Crisman.

Congressional Fire Services Institute

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) announced Teresa Crisman as the 2025 recipient of the Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education.

This award honors exceptional national achievements in fire safety education, CFSI said.

Crisman will be recognized on Feb. 13 at the 35th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, D.C., with 1,200 fire and emergency officials in attendance, CFSI stated in a press release.

“This is a well-deserved recognition for Teresa,” Congressional Fire Services Institute President Jim Estepp said. “For many years, I have witnessed her dedication and commitment to fire safety education. My fellow board members and I take great pride in recognizing national leaders with this award. Their contributions have had a tremendous impact in saving lives from fire.”

Crisman, director of public affairs – Community Risk Reduction for the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, has over 20 years as a fire safety educator, including her role as community outreach coordinator for Prince George’s County Fire/EMS. She has led fire safety programs locally, statewide and nationally.

“Teresa Crisman epitomizes the spirit of the Phillips Award,” said Chief Mary Cameli, chair of the IFSTA executive board. “Her passion and dedication have had a tremendous impact in advancing fire safety awareness across the country, inspiring others to follow her lead.”

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.