Fairfax, Va. – National Fire Academy (NFA) Superintendent Dr. Denis Onieal has been named the 2015 recipient of the James O. Page EMS Achievement Award. The annual award, sponsored by the IAFC EMS Section and Physio-Control Corp., is presented to a leader who has made a positive impact on a national scale, creating and promoting nonclinical innovation and achievements in fire service EMS management.
Dr. Onieal served with the Jersey City (N.J.) Fire Department for more than 23 years, where he eventually retired as chief and earned his doctorate in education. In 1995, Dr. Onieal was selected to become the NFA superintendent, a position from which he can educate thousands of fire service members and provide important education and professional development for the entire fire service.
“Dr. Denis Onieal was awarded the James O. Page EMS Achievement Award based on his passion and dedication to fire-based EMS,” said Chief David Becker, chair of the IAFC’s EMS Section. “Dr. Onieal has been involved on a national level for over 20 years and is recognized as a leader and voice for the fire service and emergency medical services.”
Becker, along with award sponsor Physio-Control, presented the award to Dr. Onieal at the general session of this week's Fire-Rescue Med, a leading educational forum hosted by the IAFC for fire-based EMS officials.
Dr. Onieal joins an impressive cadre of EMS notables who are previous James O. Page Award winners (PDF). The award seeks to honor those who demonstrate enthusiasm and dedication toward fire-based EMS, professionalism and vision, a desire for achievement, a drive for excellence, and exemplary performance and leadership.
About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders.
Learn more