Each year, the Burn Institute pays tribute to a special set of local heroes. These heroes risked their lives in an effort to save another person from burn injury or death.

In 1974, members of a local support group for burn survivors, Burns Recovered, approached the Burn Institute with the idea of honoring these courageous citizens. Many of the burn survivors were rescued by such brave individuals. Naturally, they wanted to express their strong appreciation publicly. The Burn Institute supported the concept and has continued to present these awards for the past 50 years. The Annual Spirit of Courage Awards banquet is a community service of the Burn Institute.

Citizens are nominated by local fire service and law enforcement agencies. Then, a Burn Institute board committee – composed of fire service personnel and other professionals – select the final recipients.

Submit a 2023 Nomination

Criteria for selection:

• The nominee must have performed an exceptionally courageous act attempting to save another person from death or serious injury to burns from any source – fire, chemical, or electrical.
• The rescue attempt must have involved a significant degree of personal risk – exposure to either death or severe injury.
• Firefighters and law enforcement personnel are eligible for this award but must have displayed a level of commitment not required or expected in the performance of their daily duties.

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