State of Tennessee
Firefighter of the Year Award

The Tennessee Firemen’s Association, in partnership with the

State Fire Marshal’s Office, is honored to recognize and celebrate exceptional service, courage, and dedication through the

State of Tennessee Firefighter of the Year Award.

Tennessee Firemen's Association

For many years, the Tennessee Firemen’s Association has recognized outstanding individuals through its own awards program. Now, in 2027, we are excited to expand that tradition by launching this prestigious statewide honor.

This award celebrates exceptional dedication, service, and achievement demonstrated by a Tennessee fire service member between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026. Honorees may be recognized for acts of heroism, excellence in training, commitment to community outreach, or leadership in fire safety education.

Nominations are accepted annually and must be submitted by mid-August each year. The recipient will be chosen by a selection committee composed of members from the Tennessee Firemen’s Association Board and the State Fire Marshal's Office.

The annual honoree will be notified of their selection in early September. The award presentation will take place during the Tennessee Firemen’s Association Annual Conference Banquet each year.

2025
Tennessee Firefighter of the Year

Jackson Fire Department’s William Zabriskie Awarded 2025 Tennessee Firefighter of the Year!

We are extremely proud to announce that Jackson Fire Department Firefighter William Zabriskie has been named the 2026 State of Tennessee Firefighter of the Year! Presented by Training Division Chief J. David Dorris II on behalf of the Tennessee Firemen’s Association and presented in conjunction with the State Fire Marshal's Office, this award expands upon a long-standing tradition of recognizing outstanding individuals through its program by launching this prestigious statewide honor to celebrate exceptional dedication, service, and achievement demonstrated by a Tennessee fire service member. Since joining the Jackson Fire Department in 2018, Firefighter Zabriskie has consistently operated with an unwavering & service before self & attitude:

Unmatched Dedication & Mentorship: He regularly devotes his personal off-duty hours to assisting recruit classes and providing one-on-one peer instruction to probationary firefighters, ensuring the next generation enters the line with precision and confidence.
Innovation & Custom Training Tools: Utilizing his own time and personal resources, he designed, built, and delivered specialized hands-on skills training tools for JFD personnel—including advanced laddering techniques, & through-the-lock; entry methods, and custom-manufactured forcible entry access tools.
Operational Leadership & Statewide Impact: Serving voluntarily on the JFD Strategy and Tactics Committee alongside the Fire Chief, he works to refine department programs specifically designed to reduce the loss of life. His expertise also earned him an appointment as a part-time Fire Service Instructor with the Tennessee Fire and Codes Academy, where he teaches firefighters across the entire state.
Life-Saving Heroism on January 2, 2026: Responding to a heavy residential structure fire with extreme heat and zero visibility, initial interior attack crews were thwarted multiple times from reaching the upper floor. Learning a victim was trapped in a second-floor closet as 911 audio captured the victims breathing fading, Firefighter Zabriskie refused to back down. Pushing through intense thermal conditions, he located the unconscious occupant, isolated the room to block advancing fire, signaled search crews, and extricated the victim—allowing crews to revive him on scene.

Without Firefighter Zabriskie’s refusal to quit, tactical ingenuity, and relentless training, that day would have ended in tragedy. Please join us in celebrating Firefighter William Zabriskie for earning this state recognition and for his heroic service to our community!