This award, sponsored by Provident Insurance, recognizes a chief officer of a volunteer or combination fire department who excels on the local or regional level as a true professional who has demonstrated leadership, integrity, and outstanding values within the fire service.

The award’s namesake, Chief John M. Buckman III stated, “Congratulations to Dave Lewis as Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) recognizes his long-term commitment to the volunteer fire service. He has certainly made a significant difference in improving the professionalism of the volunteer fire service through his passion for instructing and in many other ways. I am honored for Dave to be receiving this award.”