National Award Presented to Texas State Fire Marshal

Texas State Fire Marshal Chris Connealy recently was honored with the President’s Award from the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM). The award was presented at the NASFM conference in St. Pete Beach, Fla.

“Chris was nominated and selected for the President’s Award based on his leadership after the West, Texas, fire and explosion, his work with the Texas Innocence Project, and the development of the Texas Science Advisory Workgroup,” Jim Narva, executive director of NASFM, said in announcing the award.

The NASFM President’s Award is an annual award that recognizes outstanding efforts and leadership during the past year.

“Chris exemplifies strong leadership and innovation and I am proud of his efforts in the advancement of fire investigations and in the many new partnerships he’s created,” said Texas Insurance Commissioner Julia Rathgeber in an announcement released by the Texas Department of Insurance. “I’m so pleased that Chris’ contributions are being recognized by his peers.”

Connealy is the State Fire Marshal of Texas, and former fire chief of Houston and Cedar Park. He is the only fire chief in the United States to have successfully led two cities (Houston and Cedar Park) to an ISO Class 1 rating. Connealy also serves as an adjunct instructor for The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service.

Source: TDI