This morning, during a ceremony at Fire-Rescue International in San Antonio, Texas, Champaign Fire Chief Gary Ludwig received the prestigious Career Fire Chief of the Year award.
Since 1996, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has recognized one career and one volunteer fire chief for their leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, public service and contributions to the fire service. Chief Ludwig was nominated by his peers in the IAFC and was selected for this honor by committee members that reviewed the 24 nominees.
Commenting after receiving the award, Chief Ludwig said, “To say I am honored and humbled to receive this prestigious award is an understatement. However, I am under no illusion that there are many behind anyone receiving an award of this magnitude. For that, I am extremely grateful and want to acknowledge many who were a part of all successes including the IAFC Board of Directors, IAFC staff, City of Champaign administration, members of the Champaign Fire Department, and many others.”