Loveland-Symmes Fire Department Assistant Chief Bruce Hawk has earned the nation's top individual firefighter safety honor, the Garry Briese IAFC Safety Performance Award, presented during the International Association of Fire Chiefs' Fire-Rescue International conference in Kansas City, held Aug. 11–14.

The award, one of three given annually by the IAFC's Safety, Health and Survival Section, recognizes fire service leaders who have made significant contributions to health and safety in their departments or the broader fire service, according to the Clermont Guardian, which first reported the honor. It is named for Garry Briese, who served 23 years as executive director and CEO of the IAFC.

Hawk also earned his Chief Fire Officer designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, a credential that requires applicants to hold the rank of battalion chief or above and accumulate at least 150 points through education and professional experience, according to CPSE.

The department said in a Facebook post that it was proud of Hawk's commitment to making firefighters safer and looked forward to celebrating the honors with him in Kansas City. The City of Loveland echoed the congratulations on its official X account on Aug. 14.

The Loveland-Symmes Fire Department is a private fire company governed by a board of directors that provides fire and emergency medical services to both the City of Loveland and Symmes Township. As we reported Aug. 13, a crew from the same department deployed to Perry County for flood rescues earlier this week.

Neither Hawk nor Fire Chief Otto J. Huber responded to a request for comment by publication time. The specific safety programs or policies Hawk championed to earn the award were not detailed in the department's announcement.