The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners along with the Lakewood Fire Department is proud to announce that Chief Yahr was officially recognized as the 2025 Fire Chief of the Year by the New Jersey State Fire Chiefs Association. The award was presented on Thursday, September 11, 2025, during the Association’s annual meeting at the NJ State Fireman’s Convention at the Wildwoods Convention Center, alongside the Valor Awards ceremony honoring bravery in the fire service.

The recognition highlights Chief Yahr’s outstanding leadership, dedication, and contributions to the fire service both in Lakewood and across the state. The award was made possible through the support of the New Jersey Deputy and Battalion Chiefs Association and its president, Charlie Zeek, who generously fund both the Fire Chief of the Year and Valor Awards.

Chief Yahr shared the following statement:

“I am incredibly honored and extremely humbled to be selected by the New Jersey State Fire Chiefs Association as 2025 Fire Chief of the Year. I am very thankful for the New Jersey Deputy and Battalion Chiefs Association and their president Charlie Zeek for funding these awards.

This award while presented to me is not mine alone, it is the culmination of teamwork from the firefighters, officers, the Fire District’s administration, as well as the Board of Fire Commissioners. None of what we accomplished over the last few years would have been possible without all their support.

I entered this position with the goal of being an effective leader. To be a leader that puts the organization’s needs above my own. To ensure that the institution we call ‘Fire Department’ was better and more equipped to meet the needs of the community for today and tomorrow. Getting recognition from a well-respected organization for what we as a team accomplish is the icing on the proverbial cake. This award belongs to all of you, Lakewood Fire Department. It is to you that I owe all my successes, and I hope to lead you for many years to come! Thank you to everyone that has helped along the way. Our work has just begun.”

The Lakewood Fire Department congratulates Chief Yahr on this tremendous honor and thanks the New Jersey State Fire Chiefs Association for recognizing both his leadership and the collective accomplishments of the department.