Company Officer of the Year Award
Sponsored by:
The Company Officer of the Year Award is presented by the IAFC’s Company Officers Section and is sponsored by U.S. Digital Designs by Honeywell. This award is designed to celebrate and empower members of the fire service who occupy mid-level leadership roles within their department. The award will recognize one company officer, either volunteer or career, for their leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, public service, and contributions to the fire service. All of a nominee's fire service activities and accomplishments will be considered as a nominee's command role at a major emergency incident is not the sole contributing factor for the award.
About
The award winner will be formally recognized at the 2025 Fire-Rescue International Conference (FRI) in Orlando, Florida. In addition, the recipient will receive paid travel, per diem, hotel, and registration to the conference.
Nominations are open to any current company-level officer who exemplifies these values and goes above and beyond the call of duty.
Criteria
Nominees will be evaluated based on their:
- Leadership
- Innovation
- Professional Development
- Integrity
- Service to the Public
- Contributions to the Fire Service
2025 Award Winner
The International Association of Fire Chiefs Company Officers Section is pleased to announce the winner of 2025's Company Officer of the Year Award, Lieutenant Michael Cotter of District of Columbia Fire & EMS. Below are the words of Deputy Director of Health and Safety, Dr. Katelynn Kapalo, who nominated Lt. Cotter on behalf of the firefighting community.
"Lt. Cotter serves as the heart and soul of DC’s Underwater Search and Rescue operations and represents the very best of what our department stands for—unshakable dedication, tactical and technical excellence, and leadership that brings out the very best in others. As the officer in charge of Platoon 3, Lt. Cotter oversees marine firefighting and technical rescue operations with unmatched diligence. Under his command, the Fireboat team has flourished into one of the most cohesive and high-performing units within the department. His calm presence, strong technical acumen, and intentional investment in people have created a ripple effect of trust, pride, and commitment across the entire crew. What makes Lt. Cotter stand out so remarkably is the culture he has built—a culture of mutual respect, high standards, and genuine care. When you speak with his team, it becomes immediately apparent that they are not just well-trained; they are deeply invested in each other’s success and in their mission. This is not accidental. Lt. Cotter’s leadership creates space for people to thrive, where excellence is expected and people feel valued.
Lt. Cotter has played a pivotal role in advancing the department’s diving program. Under his guidance, the program has moved from a functional team to a strategically prepared and highly capable unit. His vision goes beyond minimum requirements—he ensures every diver and fireboat crew member is trained not just to qualify, but to excel. Through his own initiative, Lt. Cotter has pursued advanced professional certifications, such as lifeguard and rescue swimmer credentials, to model the standard of continuous learning. He does not expect his members to do anything he wouldn’t do himself. He has also advocated persistently for essential resources, including the development of a dedicated training pool for the diving team, recognizing that world-class operations require world-class training environments.
He has coordinated unique training experiences—most notably, ice diving exercises in the Tidal Basin—to prepare divers for worst-case scenarios. These events not only build technical skills but also team trust, and they have become a cornerstone of the dive team’s identity. His efforts have meaningfully improved operational readiness and have made the Fireboat and Underwater Search and Rescue teams models of preparedness and professionalism.
Morale among the Fireboat crews has never been stronger, and that is due in no small part to Lt. Cotter’s intentional and empowering leadership. He is an outstanding mentor to newer divers, and an approachable, trustworthy officer to all. He fosters open lines of communication, always seeking input, listening without judgment, and guiding with both candor and empathy. He has mastered the rare balance of being both firm and kind—holding high standards while making every member feel seen and supported. His leadership has instilled a deep sense of belonging and purpose in his crew. He doesn’t just manage people—he builds them up, creating an environment where mutual accountability and mutual support are the norm. This kind of leadership is not common, and its impact is profound. Teams led in this way are not only more efficient, they are more resilient, more unified, and ultimately safer.
Beyond internal team development, Lt. Cotter has been instrumental in enhancing interagency coordination through the Maritime Joint Operations Center (MJOC). His contributions during the MJOC’s renovation and subsequent operational improvements have laid the groundwork for more streamlined, efficient incident response. He helped improve communication protocols, adapt infrastructure, and clarify workflows—ensuring that responders have the information and access they need when seconds count.
Lt. Cotter’s operational value is also evident in his consistent presence during emergency responses. He has led critical elements of operations ranging from bridge rescues to the recent aviation collision on the Potomac River. His calm decisiveness under pressure has repeatedly improved mission outcomes. During the most recent recovery operation, Lt. Cotter was a constant presence—advocating for his divers, coordinating with partners, and taking on difficult tasks himself. His leadership was not only tactical but deeply humane. He made sure families affected by the tragedy were treated with dignity. His tireless effort ensured that recovery operations were conducted thoroughly and respectfully, helping families find closure. From locating critical debris like a missing aircraft engine to coordinating recovery logistics, his efforts were crucial to the mission’s success. More than anything, his actions reflected a deep moral clarity—an understanding that our work is not just about rescue, but about compassion, closure, and community trust.
From an occupational health perspective, Lt. Cotter’s approach has measurable implications. Research in high-risk professions, including the military and emergency services, has shown that strong, cohesive leadership significantly reduces the likelihood of stress injuries, burnout, and operational mishaps. Team cohesion—especially when cultivated by an engaged officer—acts as a protective buffer against the long-term effects of traumatic exposure. Lt. Cotter’s leadership, therefore, is not just commendable; it is critical to the overall health and safety of our department.
Lt. Michael Cotter’s impact on fireboat operations and the Underwater Search and Rescue team is immeasurable. But his influence stretches far beyond one unit—he sets a new standard for what leadership should look like in our department. Through his advocacy, his integrity, and his relentless commitment to the mission, Lt. Cotter has built a team—and a culture—that others aspire to emulate. His leadership is the kind that changes lives, protects communities, and leaves a legacy. For these reasons, and so many more, I am deeply honored to nominate Lt. Michael Cotter for the Company Officer of the Year Award."