John T. Ayers, Assistant Chief for New Hampshire Fire Standards and Training had a very "give service" career, and was one of the most genuine human beings you could ever meet. John served the United States Navy in World War II and the United States Army during the Korean War, being decorated with the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in battle.

In 1954 John joined the Fire Department of New York, where he worked until retirement in 1974. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1962, and served at Truck 120 in Brooklyn. After retirement John moved to New Hampshire and began working for NH FST in 1976. For the next 12 years John worked in this capacity and contributed much to fire training in New Hampshire. He was instrumental in the development of our first Company Officer Certification Program, and was very active in teaching, developing curriculum, and mentoring the younger generation of fire instructors. John retired in 1988, and passed away a short time later.

The Fire Instructors and Officers Association of New Hampshire owed a debt of gratitude to John T. Ayers and those who emulate his desire to improve fire service training and education. In 1989 this award was established and named in his honor to recognize a New Hampshire Fire Instructor who has shown and demonstrated the skills, abilities, and attitudes of the late John T. Ayers.

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Peter J. Carver was a Fire Captain, Assistant Chief of Fire Training, and most of all a friend! Pete was employed by the City of Concord, NH Fire Department from 1970 to 1978 when he retired as a Captain due to medical disability. Pete got better and, while he could not return as an active firefighter, he still wanted to be an active fire service member. Pete was employed by New Hampshire Fire Standards & Training until the mid-nineties, when he again retired.

Pete and the late John T. Ayers shared the roles of Assistant Chiefs of NH FS&T. Both were
responsible for very important aspects that are still in place within the Division of Fire Standards & Training & Emergency Medical Services: fire officer certification programs and the promotional testing/assessment center process.

Pete was always known as a “Firefighter’s Officer”: firm but fair. He had a neat knack to listen, and because of that he was a friend to all. Although Pete left us on November 12, 2006 his legacy will live on as future generations learn about him and his contributions.

The Fire Instructors and Officers Association of New Hampshire owes a great debt of gratitude to Peter J. Carver and those who emulate his desire to improve the leadership of the NH Fire/EMS service. It is only right that the FIOANH Fire Officer of the Year Award be named in honor of the late Peter J. Carver.

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If you wish to nominate an individual for either of these awards, please respond by April 10, 2008. Provide your name and contact information, as well as the name, rank, and employer of the nominee. In your nomination letter include responses for the following questions:

1. Why do you feel that this nominee is worthy of this award? What personal traits does this individual possess that makes him/her a good instructor?
2. What contribution has this instructor made to the NH fire service?

This award will be presented at our Annual Dinner Meeting in May 2008. It is the responsibility of the nominator to ensure that the nominee will be present at the ceremony. All nominations must be postmarked by April 10, 2008 and mailed to: