The International Fire Service Training Association has announced the winners of its 2022 awards for contributions to fire service training, as well as its new executive board chair for the next three years.

Chief Tonya Hoover Receives 2022 Everett E. Hudiburg Award

Tonya Hoover, deputy U.S. Fire Administrator and past IFSTA Executive Board member, was awarded the Everett E. Hudiburg Memorial Award during the International Fire Service Training Association’s 89th Annual Validation Conference in July 2022.

Chief Hoover is an expert executive and has worked at high levels of government in developing and implementing fire protection, fire prevention, fire training and community risk reduction programs. At the age of 16, she started her career in the fire service by obtaining her EMT certification. In 2006, she received her MBA in Business and Human Resources from the University of Phoenix, as well as a Bachelor of Technical Education, specializing in Fire Protection and Safety from Oklahoma State University in 1985. Also, she has an associate degree in Fire Protection Engineering Technology from Oklahoma State University and a lifetime teaching credential for fire science in California.

Chief Hoover served as the California state fire marshal from July 2009 to July 2016. During her time there, she was responsible for statewide fire prevention, fire service training, pipeline safety, code and regulations development, and analysis and implementation. From May 2017 to January 2020, she served as the superintendent of the USFA’s NFA.

In January 2020, Chief Hoover was appointed as the deputy U.S. Fire Administrator.

The Everett E. Hudiburg Award is the highest honor IFSTA may bestow to an individual who has made significant contributions to the training of firefighters.

Cindy Brakhage Receives the Marvin L. Austin Award

Cindy Brakhage, retired Fire Protection Publications senior editor, was awarded the Marvin L. Austin Distinguished Leadership Award during the International Fire Service Training Association’s 89th Annual Validation Conference on July 9, 2022.

Cindy began her career as an editor at FPP in 1982 and retired in August 2021. During those years, she served as the staff liaison/project editor to dozens of IFSTA validation committees, edited and prepared chapters to go into the final layout process and proofed final layouts for many manuals. Also, she assisted with the Speaking of Fire newsletter, catalogs and other marketing materials. Cindy improved the content in many manuals throughout her career.

Cindy was an important role model for her fellow co-workers throughout her time at FPP. She was a teacher, mentor and advisor to other editors and staff members.

The Marvin L. Austin Distinguished Leadership Award is presented by FPP staff in recognition of the recipient’s exceptional leadership efforts in connection with the IFSTA Validation Conference.

Dr. Kenny Fent Receives 2022 Dr. John Granito Award