Bill Webb named as the Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award recipient for outstanding leadership and dedication to the fire and emergency services community
Firefighter Cancer Support Network named as the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award recipient for its innovative report on reducing cancer exposure in the fire service
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), and Motorola Solutions are proud to name the recipient of the Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership. Additionally, NFFF, CFSI, VFIS, and UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute announce the recipient of the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award.
Bill Webb, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at the NFFF and former Executive Director of CFSI, who has spent his career advocating for and creating change in the fire and emergency services community, will receive the Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award.
The Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) will be honored with the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Service Safety Leadership Award for their groundbreaking report, “Doing it Right: Reducing Cancer in the Fire Service.”
The recipients will be honored at the 36th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium, hosted by CFSI in Washington, D.C., on March 19, 2026. Over 1,500 leaders in fire and emergency services are expected in attendance to network, discuss current challenges and opportunities, and honor those who have made a significant impact on the community.
The Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award
Jointly sponsored by CFSI and Motorola Solutions, the Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award honors public safety leaders who strengthen fire and emergency services through excellence in prevention, mitigation, and emergency response. The award is named after Mason Lankford, a distinguished fire service leader whose dedication strengthened the fire and emergency services community and advanced firefighter safety nationwide.
Bill Webb, a lifelong advocate of the fire and emergency services, spent three decades leading CFSI, advancing federal support for the fire service and promoting the health and safety of fire and emergency services personnel.
During his tenure at CFSI, Webb advocated for the concerns of fire and emergency services, ensuring critical programs remained a national priority. Working with six presidential administrations and countless congressional members, Webb facilitated joint fire service positions on major pieces of legislation. His unwavering commitment helped lead to the creation of Assistance to the Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, the expansion of the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program, and the creation of the federal First Responder Network Authority.
“Bill Webb’s steadfast dedication and passion for the fire and emergency services community exemplifies the impact and leadership of Mason Lankford,” said Troy Markel, Chair of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Board of Directors. “Bill has made a lasting impact on those who serve, meeting challenges head-on while always keeping the future of fire service programs in mind. His commitment extends beyond the profession, as he continues to support the families of our Fire Heroes. I’m proud to serve alongside him on the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Board of Directors.”
The Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award
Co-sponsored by CFSI and NFFF, with support from VFIS and UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute, the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award recognizes a public safety organization for outstanding contributions to the advancement of firefighters’ health and safety. The award celebrates the late Senator Paul S. Sarbanes of Maryland, a longtime co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, whose tireless advocacy for the fire service led to the introduction of the 1992 legislation establishing the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
The Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) will be honored with this year’s Sarbanes Award, particularly for its “Doing it Right: Reducing Cancer in the Fire Service” report. This comprehensive program, developed in partnership with fire service leaders and cancer researchers, demonstrates how to minimize the occupational cancer risks that firefighters face. The report provides clear, actionable steps on how to combat exposure and strengthen long-term occupational health.
“Our nation’s firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. FCSN’s ‘Doing It Right’ report gives them the tools to reduce those risks and safeguard their health over the long term,” said National Fallen Firefighters Foundation CEO Victor Stagnaro. “With innovative programs like this, we can reduce the invisible threat of cancers, strengthen firefighter safety, and support those who serve through education. We are proud to recognize FCSN with this well-deserved award.”
More information about the Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership and Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Awards can be found at cfsi.org/awards.
