QUINCY, MA -- The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced that Jared C. Nisch, Fire Marshal for the City of Lansing, Michigan, has been selected as the 2026 NFPA Fire Marshal of the Year. 

Fire Marshal Nisch will be honored during the Stars at Night awards gala on Sunday, June 21, as part of the annual NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas.

Fire Marshal Nisch has brought a proactive, data-driven approach to fire prevention, expanding the role of the fire marshal’s office beyond traditional code enforcement to better meet community needs. His work has included launching the Lansing Fire Department’s first comprehensive smoke alarm initiative and developing targeted fire and life safety education for older adults, one of Lansing’s highest-risk populations.

Through public events, direct community engagement, and the creation of an interactive inflatable fire safety house, Nisch has helped modernize fire safety education for people of all ages in his community, strengthening the department’s connection with residents.

The NFPA Fire Marshal of the Year Award recognizes a fire code enforcement professional who demonstrates outstanding leadership in achieving code compliance through education, community collaboration, and proactive risk-reduction efforts. Nominations are submitted by members of the International Fire Marshals Association (IFMA), an NFPA membership section.

For more information about the Stars at Night awards, visit the NFPA awards webpage.