The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has recognized Dr. Sara Jahnke as the latest recipient of the Foundation’s Arthur J. Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award.

Dr. Jahnke serves as Director of the non-profit Center for Fire, Rescue & EMS Health Research at NDRI USA, Inc., where she  leads research projects aimed at understanding the health risks faced by firefighters—and developing evidence-based interventions to mitigate those risks. Known for her dedication to translating scientific findings into practical solutions, Dr. Jahnke has made significant contributions to understanding and addressing the unique health challenges individuals face in the fire service. Jahnke also serves as president of Science to the Station: A Health and Wellness Alliance and sits on Board of Directors of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

“The Glatfelter Award is not just a recognition of Sara’s past accomplishments; it is a testament to her ongoing commitment to the entire emergency services community,” said Troy Markel, NFFF Board Chair. “With over a decade of research experience on firefighter health, she continues to promote the ideal of keeping firefighters healthier—thus reducing preventable line-of-duty loss.”

Dr. Jahnke’s work has focused on a range of health concerns such as the health of female firefighters, firefighter mental health, and the risks to firefighters of injury, cancer, cardiovascular events, and substance use. These factors are key considerations in the advancement of the efforts of the NFFF—and the fire service as a whole—to reduce preventable line-of-duty deaths.

The NFFF created the Arthur J. Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award to recognize exceptional service to the NFFF by men and women who continue in support of Glatfelter’s legacy as a champion of the fire service. In 1969, Glatfelter created the Volunteer Fireman’s Insurance Services (VFIS), the first company of its kind to meet the insurance needs for volunteer firefighters. Glatfelter was also an enthusiastic advocate for the NFFF and its mission and served for many years on the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Dr. Jahnke was presented with the Glatfelter Award by Chair Markel during the recent Science to the Station NERDSTOCK 2024 powered by FRCE (First Responder Center for Excellence), which took place October 4 – 6 at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, MD.

“Sara’s unwavering dedication to the health of our firefighting community is truly inspiring,” added Markel. “With over 100 publications and numerous awards of excellence to her name, she embodies the spirit of service—and reminds us of the profound impact one person can have on many.”