Presidents Award

This award may be given annual and is selected by the current MFIS president.  Created in 2006 to honor those who have aided Michigan Fire Inspector Society meet our goals. Members have included elected officials and are based on the input of the president of MFIS. Recommendations can be made to the current president.

2010 Past President Michael Larabel

The Michigan Fire Inspector’s are honored to have one of the most active past presidents in any state organization.  In 2010 President Michael O’Brian honored Michael Larabel for his continued dedication to MFIS and his countless hours of service to the membership.

Mr. Larabel has been a mentor to many new fire inspectors as well as senior fire marshal’s in the State of Michigan and beyond.  He has served as a member on many state committee’s as well as NFPA committee.  The MFIS is honored that he has continued to serve and promote the society for so many years.

2009 Les Rodwell,

Fire Marshal Rodwell, Howell Area Fire Authority, for his continued passion to the fire service and continued efforts to many organizations over his varied 30 year career. Fire Marshal Rodwell has served the Howell area as a police officer and firefighter for the last thirty years and the last eight as fire marshal. He is a past president of the Michigan State Firefighters Association. He serves on the Michigan Fire Service Coalition, the Code Development Committee, the Fire Code Review Committee, and the Planning Committee. He also serves on the Livingston County Fire Chiefs Association as the Secretary Treasurer.

2008 Ron Farr,

Fire Chief Farr was honored for his continued dedication to the Michigan Fire Inspectors and the fire service in Michigan.  Ron’s continued dedication to the society has been proven throughout the years.  His leadership has provided for all of our members and he has assisted many times to fire inspectors across the State.   Ron is currently the Fire Chief of the Kalamazoo Township Fire Department.

2007 Melissa Yutzy,

Miss Yutzy, is with Kelley Cawthorne has worked tirelessly as our legislative aid.  During 2006 and 2007 Melissa provided your executive board with direction and insight in the possible legislative changes.  Melissa served the fire coalition tirelessly with a smile and always a kind word.

2006 Senator Mike Pruci (Marquette), Senator Valdie Garcia (lansing), Representative Dave Farhat (Muskegon), Representative Chris Kohl (Ann Arbor)