Excerpts from ifsta.org:

The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and the International Fire Service Training Association at Fire Protection Publications, Oklahoma State University (IFSTA/FPP/OSU) are pleased to announce that Marsha P. Giesler has been selected as the 2017 Dr. Anne W. Phillips Leadership in Fire Safety Education Award recipient. Ms. Giesler is the Public Education Officer for Downers Grove Fire Department.

Marsha Giesler is the model of a local fire safety educator whose excellence in program design and implementation has transcended well beyond her work at the local level. Her advocacy for fire safety education and community risk reduction has significantly impacted the state of Illinois as well as fire safety educators across America.

Ms. Giesler’s work fulfills the spirit of Dr. Phillips’ minority report to America Burning by inspiring others to prevent fires as the best method to reduce burn injuries and fire loss. Her work as an excellent and enthusiastic educator has placed her in the position to advocate for fire prevention in Illinois and to help provide leadership and guidance as Illinois mandated fire safety education and community risk reduction for company officer and chief officer certification. Marsha can be described as a disciple of Dr. Phillips as her passion today matches the lifetime passion for fire safety of Dr. Phillips.

Because of her creativity in developing best practices, a willingness to share ideas, and an ability to mentor and inspire others, Marsha’s ideas have been adopted by fire services across the country, including the NFPA Education Section. She has served as a presenter and instructor at conferences across the country and is often a consultant to national and state organizations on programs and curriculum development.

This is not the first national award that recognizes Marsha and her impact on fire safety education. She was named the NFPA Educator of the Year in 2012. Ms. Giesler is best known for authoring the respected and widely used text book, Fire and Life Safety Educator: Principles and Practices. The text is now in its second edition.

The award was presented on April 6 at the 29th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, DC.

thanks Dan

Tags: 2017 Dr. Anne W. Phillips Leadership in Fire Safety Education Award, Congressional Fire Services Institute, Downers Grove Fire Department, Fire and Life Safety Educator: Principles and Practices, International Fire Service Training Association, Marsha P. Giesler, NFPA Educator of the Year in 2012