At the discretion of the ICC Board of Directors President, an individual worthy of special recognition for service may be honored with the President’s Award. This year, outgoing Board President Jimmy Brothers honored Ronald E. Piester, who was elected as Board Vice President during the Annual Business Meeting at the 2011 ICC Annual Conference.

"If you are, or ever have been in a leadership position, you quickly learn that your success depends on a team effort," Brothers said. "There are many parts to a team and there is a reason teams have co-captains. Co-captains are the ones you confide in. You bounce ideas off them and find much value in their feedback, feedback that often hones and improves your thoughts and ideas helping you to accomplish goals."

Brothers credited Piester's instrumental role in his acceptance among Members in the northeastern part of the country. He said their professional relationship actually started several years ago when Piester laid the groundword with a trip to a fire association's holiday party.

"Ron made sure I was invited to building and fire officials' chapter meetings and events," Brothers said. "He was the one who was always there when I needed help. He was the one who always reminded me how important it is to be close to our Members and to listen to their concerns, ideas and feedback. He is a true gentleman."