NVFC recognized the outstanding service of Dave Denniston for his dedication and impact to their Fire service communities and exemplify the spirit and extraordinary nature of this calling.
Dave Denniston was recognized at an awards ceremony that took place during the NVFC spring conference on May 9, 2025 in Alexandria, VA.
Dave Denniston began his fire service journey in 1989 when he joined the Cortlandville (NY) Fire Department. He quickly rose through the ranks and has served in business and operational leadership roles for over 30 years, including fire chief from 2004 to 2006.
He has served as an elected fire commissioner of the Virgil Fire District since 2005, as a lead fire instructor for the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and is Cortland County’s longest sitting deputy fire coordinator.
Denniston is also extremely involved at the state level, where he serves as the first vice president of the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York and is an active member in both the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs and the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY).
He is an instructor for FASNY, has written many articles on firefighter safety and leadership for their magazine, and has co-chaired the FASNY Winter Games for the past 19 years.
Nationally, Denniston remains active with both the NVFC and International Association of Fire Chiefs, is a sought-after instructor and speaker, and is a tireless advocate for firefighter safety. During the COVID pandemic, Denniston realized that a different method of instruction would be needed to educate firefighters during this unprecedented time, so he started a series of weekly webinars to help keep responders and leaders informed.
When the proposed new OSHA Emergency Response Standard was made public in February 2024, Denniston quickly realized the negative impact it would have on the nation’s volunteer fire service.
Even through a health crisis and ongoing treatments, he led the charge to educate firefighters about the proposed changes and coordinate the volunteer fire service’s response in New York State and nationally as the chair of the NVFC’s OSHA Task Force.
Congratulations to all of the NVFC 2025 award recipients.
Pictured Left to right: (Photo credit - Kit Thompson AFDSNY)
Jiya Jadhav, Junior Firefighter of the Year Award, sponsored by California Casualty; West Virginia University Fire Service Extension Junior Firefighter Camp, Junior Firefighter Program of the Year Award, sponsored by California Casualty;
Jeremy Sonenschein, Chief James P. Seavey Sr. Health & Wellness Leadership Award, co-sponsored by VFIS and Ward Diesel Filter Systems;
Brian McQueen, E. James Monihan Director Award, sponsored by Provident.
NVFC 2025 Award information for all recipients (click)
