BRADENTON – West Manatee Fire Rescue District (WMFR) Fire Marshal Rodney Kwiatkowski is the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association’s 2025 Florida Fire Marshal of the Year.
The award was presented to Kwiatkowski during the opening ceremony of the 77th Annual Florida Fire Prevention Conference on Nov. 3 at the Coral Springs Marriott.
“This award celebrates Kwiatkowski’s exceptional leadership, innovation and commitment to advancing fire and life safety both locally and statewide,” the WMFR press release says.
The press release notes the distinguished honor was bestowed upon Kwiatkowski by his peers and the award is regarded as “one of the highest professional recognitions in Florida’s fire service community.”
Kwiatkowski will also be recognized by the Division of State Fire Marshal and Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia during the 2026 Florida legislative session in Tallahassee. As a tribute to this achievement, Kwiatkowski’s name will be permanently engraved on a trophy displayed in the rotunda of the Florida State Fire College as a lasting symbol of excellence and service to the profession.
In the press release, WMFR Fire Chief Ben Rigney said, “Rodney’s leadership has elevated our prevention and community risk-reduction programs to statewide prominence. His recognition as Fire Marshal of the Year reflects not only his dedication but the professionalism and teamwork of everyone at West Manatee Fire Rescue.”
The press release notes that under Kwiatkowski’s direction, WMFR has implemented data-driven Community Risk Reduction initiatives, enhanced short-term rental fire safety programs and expanded public education outreach, earning statewide and national recognition for measurable improvements in community safety. And those achievements “underscore WMFR’s ongoing dedication to excellence in engineering, education and enforcement – the core values that continue to define the district’s fire and life safety mission.”
“I am deeply humbled to receive this honor,” Kwiatkowski said in the press release. “It’s truly a career milestone and a reflection of the collective commitment of our WMFR team to protect lives and property through innovation, collaboration and service. I am grateful to Chief Rigney for his continued support, my peers and the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association for this incredible recognition.”
