Kidneys for Communities’ prestigious National Community Impact Award, which honors organizations and individuals demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to saving lives through living kidney donation, was presented Wednesday morning, highlighting remarkable contributions to the cause.
This year’s ceremony spotlighted two major awards. The first award, the Inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility National Community Impact Award, was presented to the Knox Company for its extraordinary dedication to saving lives through living kidney donations. Under the visionary leadership of Ms. Joni Trempala, Owner and President of Knox Company, the company has played a pivotal role in expanding awareness and action within the first responder community. Despite her personal battle with kidney failure, Ms. Trempala has consistently chosen to focus on those in need. Her leadership, together with her team and in collaboration with NFFF, has sparked impactful conversations and launched the Kidneys for First Responders Program—providing first responders with renewed hope and a second chance at life.
The second award recognized the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) for its instrumental role in developing the Expand Your Legacy: Become a Living Kidney Donor campaign. In partnership with Knox Company and the First Responder Center for Excellence, NFFF has ignited a national movement to raise awareness, inspire living kidney donors, and launch the Kidneys for First Responders Program. Since partnering with Kidneys for Communities, NFFF has done far more than endorse the program—it has connected organizations nationwide, provided critical guidance, and ensured that the initiative meets the unique needs of the first Responder community.
While being invited to the stage to accept the award, Victor Stagnaro, Chief Executive Officer of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the First Responder Center for Excellence, stated, “Our mission is driven by a deep commitment to our first responders and their families. By empowering the community to become living kidney donors, we are not only saving lives but also igniting hope and creating a legacy of resilience and unity.”
Concluding the award presentation, the Inaugural Humanitarian of the Year Award was presented to Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki. Recognized for his transformational leadership and unwavering dedication to the Kidneys for Communities First Responders Initiative, Chief Siarnicki’s proactive efforts and credibility have been instrumental in launching an initiative that saves lives and offers hope to first responders and their families nationwide.
“It was my great honor to invite Chief Ron Siarnicki, Executive Director Emeritus of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the First Responder Center for Excellence, to accept his award.” said Atul Agnihotri, Board Chair & CEO, Kidneys for Communities®. “Chief Siarnicki’s leadership has set a powerful example – one that will continue to impact countless lives for years to come.” Expressing his gratitude, Chief Siarnicki stated, “I am deeply honored to receive this award. It is a testament to the power of community and collaboration. Together, we are not just saving lives—we are building a legacy that honors every first responder’s courage and sacrifice.”
These awards recognize leaders and organizations committed to saving lives through living kidney donation underscores the collective effort and profound impact of community-driven initiatives. For more information about the awards and the initiatives supporting first responders through living kidney donation, please visit Kidneys for First Responders. A four-part video series providing information on being an organ donor and a transplant recipient is also available on firstrespondercenter.org.
