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Lehi Fire Chief Jeremy Craft, right, was recognized as the 2025 Career Fire Chief of the Year at the 2025 International Association of Fire Chiefs awards ceremony Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.

Courtesy Lehi City

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Lehi City officials are pictured Wednesday at the International Association of Fire Chiefs awards ceremony Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. Pictured from left, Lehi Mayor Mark Johnson, Lehi City Administrator Jason Walker, Lehi Fire Chief Jeremy Craft, Lehi Deputy Fire Chief Tim D. Robinson and Lehi Battalion Chief Robert Stanley.

Courtesy Lehi City

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Lehi Fire Chief Jeremy Craft has been named the 2025 Career Fire Chief of the Year by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, or IAFC.

Craft accepted the award at the association’s 2025 IAFC Fire Chief of the Year awards, which were presented during this year’s Fire Rescue International conference in Orlando, Florida, earlier this week.

Craft was one of two recipients for this year’s honor.

Nominees are evaluated and determined by a committee, which select awardees based on their leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, public service and contributions to fire service, according to an IAFC press release.

The association said Craft was honored for his extraordinary leadership in advancing firefighter health and safety initiatives, including spearheading landmark cancer prevention legislation in Utah.

Craft, who has served with the Lehi Fire Department for just over a decade, was diagnosed with prostate and renal cancer in early 2024 after he and several colleagues traveled to Arizona for cancer screenings.

Craft told KUTV in a January interview that over the years he has witnessed more and more men and women in fire service who have been diagnosed with some form of cancer. While some of those individuals were cured, he noted that many others died.

Through his advocacy for presumptive cancer coverage, early screening protocols and accountability measures, he’s been an outspoken voice for firefighter protection across the state. In March, Craft joined Gov. Spencer Cox, Utah lawmakers and other fire service workers to celebrate the passage of House Bill 65 during the Utah 2025 legislative session; the measure expands access to cancer screenings for firefighters.

Beyond policy achievements, Craft serves as a mentor to colleagues and aspiring firefighters, legislative advocate and national voice for firefighter wellness.

“His work has inspired departments across the country to prioritize health and safety programs, shaping a safer future for firefighters nationwide,” a Lehi City press release issued Wednesday reads.

Lehi Mayor Mark Johnson praised Craft for his service and dedication to the community and for being recognized among fire service men and women from across the globe.

“Several nations had participants, and to see Chief Craft recognized among them is a tremendous honor for him and Lehi City,” he said in a statement. “We are thankful to have the caliber of people and talent that serve our community. We are so proud of the accomplishments of Chief Craft and our whole public safety organization.”

Lehi officials went on to describe the recognition as a testament to the city’s commitment to excellence in public safety and the dedication of its leaders to local and national service.