Nominations

The Ronnie Thames Foundation recognizes firefighters who make a difference in the metro Atlanta communities through their commitment, dedication and community spirit. Fire departments or communities nominate a firefighter (or team or department) in one of four categories: Leadership, Heroism, Education/Community and Teamwork. A winner is selected by a group of involved and professional citizens and the winner is announced at the dinner and award ceremony. All firefighters, nominees and their guests are invited to be our guests for the evening.

Nominations are due no later than Friday, August 15th, 2024. All nominees will be honored at a reception and meal on Saturday, September 28th, 2024 at the Delta Flight Museum. The winners will be announced during the awards ceremony.

Award Descriptions

Education / Community
This nominee would be recognized for their efforts to promote fire and EMS education for the department or for fire safety awareness or other education in the community. This award nominee would be a person that has placed the education of others at the forefront and displays a passion for the preparation of others to complete their job or the preparation of the community. This person would be a true trainer that seeks creative ways to challenge their students to be the best of the best.

Teamwork
Teamwork is work done by several team members with each doing a part but all subordinating personal prominence to the efficiency of the whole team. This award recognizes a group who works collaboratively in order to achieve a common goal. This goal could be in any one of several areas of the department, community or county.

Leadership
To be a successful leader, one must have prepared, gained wisdom, and had effect. A leader does not come with position, title, or rank. Leadership is not absolute; situations dictate response, and leaders react, make decisions, continually reevaluate performance, and alter objectives and tactics as required. Since the fire service is a dynamic profession, leadership is required, expected, and, when absent, extremely noticeable. Leadership has been described as a process of social influence in which a person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task. This person displays the confidence needed to face the toughest challenges while being imaginative in their approach to problem solving. They have earned the respect of their peers and subordinates.

Heroism
This award recognizes an individual or team of individuals for single acts of heroism where the use of his or her expert training, professional service and dedication to the duty are displayed in saving a human life. This may involve an act above and beyond the call of duty exhibiting exceptional acts of courage when facing extreme danger and adversity.