WASHINGTON — The National Volunteer Fire Council has announced the recipients of its annual fire service achievement awards, recognizing individuals for outstanding service to their departments and communities.
The 2026 recipients:
- William J. Darley Lifetime Achievement Award: Roger Beedy
- Chief James P. Seavey Sr. Health & Wellness Leadership Award: Frank Leeb
- Junior Firefighter of the Year: Grace Isakson
- Junior Firefighter Program of the Year: Plano Fire Explorers Post 215
“Fire service volunteers make a significant impact in their communities every day, and we are excited to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of our 2026 award winners,” NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch said. “This year’s recipients showcase commitment and service from those just starting to those who have spent a lifetime giving back. They exemplify what makes our nation’s volunteer fire service so outstanding.”
Beedy, Leeb and Isakson will be honored at the NVFC spring conference in May, while Plano Fire Explorers Post 215 will be recognized at a local ceremony.
William J. Darley Lifetime Achievement Award: Roger Beedy
Sponsored by Darley
Roger Beedy began serving at age 15 with the Cedar Canyons Volunteer Fire Department in Leo, Indiana, and spent 54 years as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. In addition to his local service, he has supported statewide training and advocacy through the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association and has received numerous local and state honors recognizing his leadership, mentorship and long record of service.
Chief James P. Seavey Sr. Health & Wellness Leadership Award: Frank Leeb
Co-sponsored by VFIS and Ward Diesel Filter Systems
Frank Leeb has spent more than 40 years in the fire service as both a volunteer and career firefighter, building a national reputation as an advocate for firefighter cancer prevention, health and wellness. He began as a junior member of the East Farmingdale Volunteer Fire Department, went on to a 31-year FDNY career that ended with his retirement in 2024 as deputy assistant chief, and now serves as managing director of the First Responder Center for Excellence, where he leads national efforts focused on firefighter health and safety.
Junior Firefighter of the Year: Grace Isakson
Sponsored by California Casualty
Grace Isakson, a third-year member and captain of Plano Fire Explorers Post 215, logged more than 330 service hours in 2025 while completing EMT school and working outside the program. After earning her EMT certification, she took on additional 24-hour ambulance ride-outs and has received several top honors, including Explorer of the Year, Officer of the Year and Fire Explorer of the Year from the Boy Scouts of America Chisholm Trail Council.
Junior Firefighter Program of the Year Award: Plano Fire Explorers Post 215
Sponsored by California Casualty
Since 1988, Plano Fire Explorers Post 215 has grown into a structured youth leadership program modeled after a professional fire department, with 21 active Explorers assigned to companies and trained in classroom work, hands-on skills, fitness and community service. In 2025, members logged more than 3,200 hours through training, ride-outs and public events, while also winning first place at the DFW Fire Games and the Plano Flags of Honor Truck Pull.
