The Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (FEMA) is a non-profit trade group that has focused on saving lives and protecting property for over 80 years. Every year, this association of industry experts representing the top global brands in commercial fire protection recognizes individuals who have made substantial contributions through advocacy, education, and innovative practices.
In October 2025, the Fire Safety Advocate Award was presented to Assistant Fire Marshal Darcy Davidson, who has demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing public safety through legislative, educational, and enforcement efforts. The City of Carlsbad, CA, has praised Davidson specifically for developing and implementing a targeted fire safety education program for local restaurants, which combines instructional videos and hands-on training.
This isn’t the first time Davidson has been recognized during her career. In 2024, the California Building Officials Association named her the Fire Official of the Year for “fostering collaboration and unity within the code enforcement community.” Before becoming the Assistant Fire Marshal for the City of Carlsbad, she spent over a decade with the City of San Diego as a Firefighter and Supervising Deputy Fire Marshal from 2007 to 2019, gaining extensive experience in emergency response and fire safety management. Earlier in her career, she worked as an Exercise Physiologist, Nutritionist, and Clinic Manager at the San Diego Sports Medicine & Family Health Center’s Regional Firefighter Wellness Program from 2004 to 2007. In this role, she contributed to firefighter wellness and health programming, demonstrating her commitment to supporting those who protect our communities.
While no one in Fire and Life Safety does what they do solely for recognition, it’s crucial to shine a spotlight on the essential work being done for two reasons. The most important reason is to keep our communities safe. And the second is to encourage others to follow in their footsteps.
Congratulations again to Darcy Davidson on this well-deserved award. More information on FEMA and its work is available here.
Image via the City of Carlsbad.
