About the Award
Marvin L. Austin joined the Homewood, Illinois, Fire Department in 1954 and served as their training officer for many years. He worked his way through the ranks of the department until his retirement as assistant chief in 1971. Chief Austin joined the Illinois Fire Service Institute in 1960 and taught at their fire college for more than 20 years. His courses included salvage, aerial ladders and elevated platforms, pump operations, apparatus tests, maintenance and specifications, and many more. He also served on the IFSI Advisory Committee.
Following his career with the Homewood Fire Department, Chief Austin became the assistant manager of Insurance Services Office of Illinois. This role kept Chief Austin connected to fire departments in Illinois, where he could help them become more effective.
His leadership contributions to the fire service were many. He was the chairman of Fire Department Instructors Conference and executive secretary of the International Fire Service Training Association Executive Board. This position on the IFSTA board provided many opportunities for Chief Austin to work closely with Fire Protection Publications staff at Oklahoma State University.
Chief Austin loved people, had quick wit and an incredible sense of humor. The FPP staff was particularly fond of him. During his time with IFSTA he served on several committees and was critical to the success of the organization for many years. Chief Austin passed away in 2018.
2024 Award Recipient
During the Opening General Session of the International Fire Service Training Association 91st Annual Validation Conference held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on July 13, 2024, the 2024 Marvin L. Austin Distinguished Leadership Award was presented to Jon Bubke, Fire Protection Publications retired business operations coordinator.
Past Recipients
- 1981Marvin Austin
- 1983Roger Sweet
- 1986Max and Vera Thomas
- 1992Harold Mace
- 1998Dennis Compton
- 1999William Vandevort
- 2000Carol Smith
- 2001John Hoglund
- 2002Gene Carlson
- 2005Jimmie and Charlotte Badgett
- 2007Don Davis
- 2008Jim and Kay Simms
- 2009Barbara Adams
- 2009Richard Giles
- 2010Arlen and Ardith Gross
- 2011Frank Cotton
- 2013George Dunkel
- 2014Dr. Robert England
- 2015Richard and Kathy Pippenger
- 2016Lynne Murnane
- 2017Glenda Bentley
- 2018Steve Ashbrock
- 2019Ann Moffat
- 2021Nancy Trench
- 2022Cindy Brakhage
- 2023Jeff Fortney
- 2024Jon Bubke