Cy-Fair Fire Department Honored with National Seal of Excellence for Firefighter Safety Leadership
In a moment of pride for the greater Cy-Fair community, the Cy-Fair Fire Department (CFFD) was officially presented with the Ronald Siarnicki Seal of Excellence Award by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) on October 28, 2025. The recognition, given at the CFFD Administration Office, celebrates the department’s outstanding commitment to firefighter safety, health, and wellness — placing it among just 30 departments nationwide ever to receive the award out of approximately 30,000 across the United States.
The Seal of Excellence, one of the highest honors in the fire service industry, is awarded only to departments or individuals that demonstrate measurable, lasting contributions toward reducing firefighter line-of-duty deaths and injuries. It affirms that CFFD has become a national benchmark for safety innovation, leadership, and a wellness-first culture.
Setting the Gold Standard for Firefighter Wellness
The Cy-Fair Fire Department’s journey from a fully volunteer organization to one of Texas’ largest combination fire departments has been nothing short of transformational. Serving over 600,000 residents in one of the state’s fastest-growing communities, CFFD has built a reputation for operational excellence deeply rooted in health, wellness, and safety.
According to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the Seal of Excellence is awarded based on documented achievements and clear alignment with the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives, a nationwide framework promoting safety and survivability in the fire service.
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Among CFFD’s leading accomplishments:
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THRIVE! Mental Health Program & Peer Support Network: CFFD prioritizes emotional wellness through ongoing support, peer mentorship, and annual FrontLine health screenings designed specifically for first responders.
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National Safety Leadership: The department actively participates in the Safety Stand Down initiative and other national campaigns aimed at minimizing preventable injuries and fatalities in the fire service.
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Active Shooter Response Training: CFFD has taken a proactive stance in public safety by implementing ALERRT Active Attack Integrated Response protocols in collaboration with schools and local law enforcement.
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Comprehensive Training Division: Ranked in the top five largest department-based training divisions in Texas, the department offers in-house instruction led by credentialed professionals across all ranks and divisions.
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Safety-First Culture: Personnel are not only encouraged but empowered to pause operations when they identify unsafe conditions—an approach that fosters both accountability and trust.
A Culture Built on Excellence
“This recognition speaks to the caliber of leadership, innovation, and commitment at every level of our department,” said Leah Gowin, Director of Marketing and Community Relations for CFFD. “We’re honored to be part of a small group of departments setting the bar for what it means to protect our firefighters as fiercely as we protect our communities.”
The Seal of Excellence is named after Ronald J. Siarnicki, former Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and a lifelong advocate for firefighter safety. Its recipients represent the very best of the fire and EMS world—those who go above and beyond in safeguarding the well-being of their teams.
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“CFFD’s comprehensive approach—from mental health to tactical training—makes them a standout model nationwide,” said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the NFFF. “Their proactive programs, safety-first culture, and unwavering dedication to continuous improvement truly exemplify the spirit of the Seal of Excellence.”
Leading the Way for Departments Nationwide
As an organization fueled by its core values—Commitment, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence—Cy-Fair Fire Department continues to lead with vision and integrity. Their ultimate goal: to be recognized as Texas’ premier fire department, setting a statewide and national example for safety, innovation, and service.
By fully embracing the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives, integrating lessons learned from past incidents, and fostering a culture of respect and readiness, the Cy-Fair Fire Department is not just earning accolades—they’re redefining what it means to serve.
For residents of Cypress and surrounding areas, this award is more than a plaque on the wall—it’s a reminder that the team protecting them is committed to doing so with the highest possible standards of care, preparedness, and professionalism.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
