Austin, Sullivan awards inaugural General Joseph F. Boyd Leadership & Visionary Award

At the 125th Annual Convention Banquet, Director Steve Austin, PP, and Jack Sullivan were awarded the inaugural General Joseph F. Boyd Leadership & Visionary Award. Director Austin was recognized for his distinguished service and visionary leadership in advancing fire service and safety in CVVFA. Jack Sullivan was recognized for his outstanding dedication to responder safety and leadership in the pursuit of Everyone Goes Home.

This award was named after General Joseph F. Boyd, a solider and railroader, who helped to create the organization-- now known as Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association. After the Shippensburg Methodist Church fire in July 1901, General Boyd took action to address differences in couplings and began to advocate for one standard. This award was created to honor his vision, leadership and legacy and is presented to those who lead the same way: seeing what the fire service needs next-- and building it.

The awards themselves reflects the history of the organization. The base is a cut of a 1890s barn beam with a 1909 railroad spike and a 1930s-50s brass hose coupler on top.

Congratulations to two insanely deserving individuals.