July 19, 2025

Chief Curia Named 2025 Career Fire Chief of the Year

News Summary

Charleston Fire Chief Daniel Curia has been honored as the 2025 Career Fire Chief of the Year by the Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs. This accolade, awarded at the SAFC conference in Tennessee, recognizes Curia’s exceptional leadership and contributions to the fire service. Leading the Charleston Fire Department since 2018, he has transformed the department through innovation and community engagement, inspiring fellow firefighters and enhancing public safety.

Charleston – Charleston Fire Chief Daniel Curia has been honored with the title of 2025 Career Fire Chief of the Year by the Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs (SAFC). This prestigious award was presented to Chief Curia during the SAFC conference dinner held in Franklin, Tennessee, recognizing his exemplary leadership within the fire service.

The Fire Chief of the Year award aims to celebrate individuals whose actions and leadership serve as models for other chief officers in the Southeast. Recipients are selected based on criteria such as leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, and contributions to the fire service.

Chief Curia has been at the helm of the Charleston Fire Department since July 2018, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to his role. Before leading the Charleston team, he dedicated 28 years to the Durham Fire Department in North Carolina. There, he started as a firefighter and progressed through the ranks to eventually become the Fire Chief.

Under Curia’s leadership, the Charleston Fire Department has seen significant improvements and enhancements. His steadfast commitment to the department, its members, and the surrounding Charleston community has been a hallmark of his tenure. Chief Curia is recognized for his ability to inspire and motivate firefighters, which has proven vital in fostering a strong team environment.

Throughout his career spanning over 35 years, Curia has continually aimed to disseminate his extensive knowledge of fire service practices to better not only his department but also the overall fire service community. His focus on developing both personnel and organizational capacity reflects his dedication to the profession and its continuous evolution.

The Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs is the largest division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, with a membership that exceeds 2,000 across ten states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This organization serves as a vital resource for fire chiefs throughout the Southeast, providing a platform for networking, professional development, and advocacy within the fire service industry.

As a recipient of the Career Fire Chief of the Year award, Chief Curia joins the ranks of outstanding fire service leaders recognized by the SAFC for their contributions and innovations in emergency services. His efforts not only uplift the Charleston Fire Department but also serve as inspiration for departments across the region.

In acknowledging this honor, Chief Curia reflects the values upheld by the fire service, emphasizing leadership, community engagement, and dedication. His selection as the 2025 Career Fire Chief of the Year underscores not only his personal achievements but also the collective endeavors of the Charleston Fire Department in advancing safety and emergency response throughout the community.

As the fire chief continues to lead his department into the future, his recognition by the SAFC highlights the importance of strong leadership in emergency services and its impact on public safety and community resilience. Curia’s remarkable career trajectory from firefighter to chief exemplifies the potential for growth within the fire service, encouraging upcoming leaders to strive for excellence and service.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

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