National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) Director of Public Fire Protection Jim Dalton recently was awarded the inaugural Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award for Leadership in Fire Safety Education by the Home Safety Council at the Congressional Fire Services Institute’s (CFSI) National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner.
Dalton’s career began in the fire service industry in Washington, D.C., eventually moving onto Montgomery County, MD, where he became chief fire marshal. It was during his time there that he was instrumental in passing and implementing the nation’s first smoke alarm ordinance.
After retiring from active fire service duty, he went to manage influential public education an awareness programs for the U.S. Fire Administration and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, including “Partnerships Against Fire” and “Operation Life Safety.”
Today, Dalton serves as the director of public fire protection for the NFSA, supporting community fire sprinkler initiatives across the nation, ultimately becoming the driving force behind efforts to pass the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act. Under his leadership, NFSA has also developed a comprehensive guide to help local fire officials adopt residential and retrofit fire sprinkler ordinances. Dalton also serves on the Steering Committee of the nonprofit Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, where he furthers his work to inform the public about the importance of home fire sprinklers. He is active with the National Fire Protection Association, serving on the Board of the organization’s Education Section.
“Throughout his career, Jim has been a national leader committed to keeping people safe from fire through his efforts to advance fire safety education,” said John Viniello, President of NFSA. “Jim’s dedication and energy are an integral part to our association. We congratulate him on receiving such a prestigious award and are proud of the accomplishments he has made within the industry and support him in the ones that he looks to accomplish in the future.”
Dr. Anne W. Phillips Award
Named after Dr. Anne Wight Phillips, the award honors her outstanding achievements as a champion of fire safety education and celebrates her role as a leader whose exemplary work in fire safety education has had a lasting impact on the nation’s safety. As a member of the National Commission of Fire Prevention and Control, Phillips authored the 1973 Minority Report, an appendix to America Burning, pushing the Commission to recognize the important role of prevention in reducing fire injury and death.
Throughout her life, Dr. Phillips has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to fire prevention and preparedness, as the basis to strengthening fire safety education across the country. By naming the award in her honor, the Home Safety Council aims to keep the work and spirit of Dr. Phillips alive well beyond her lifetime by celebrating those who follow her example to move the field of fire safely forward.
