The Roswell Fire Department (GA) and the Allentown Volunteer Fire Department (GA) have been selected to receive the 2025 Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award. The award presentations will take place on February 13, 2025, at the 35th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, DC. Named in honor of the late-Senator Paul S. Sarbanes of Maryland, the award recognizes fire departments and organizations for outstanding contributions to firefighter health and safety.
The Roswell Fire Department is being honored for collaborating with researchers to study the immediate and long-term effects of a new shift schedule and adjusted start times on firefighter performance and overall health. The study evaluates both the immediate (acute) and long-term (chronic) effects of the new shift schedule and adjusted start times on firefighters’ well-being and performance. The results of the study intend to demonstrate how improving sleep quality through adjusted works schedules can reduce a broad range of physical and mental health ailments.
The Allentown Volunteer Fire Department was selected for its achievements in minimizing the risk to firefighters when responding to emergencies in privately owned vehicles (POVs). Motivated by a tragic accident that claimed the life of one of its members in 2002, members of the department are using dash cams or the WAZE apps to monitor their responses to emergencies in their privately owned vehicles. Department members use the videos to conduct reviews of their driving performance and proper safety procedures at the emergency scene.
CFSI President Jim Estepp and NFFF Board Chair Troy Markel issued a joint statement recognizing the two fire departments for their achievements. “Progress at the local level, as demonstrated by these two departments, can create a strong foundation for national advancement in firefighter health and safety. We commend the two award recipients for embracing the fire service pledge that “Everyone Goes Home” with their innovative programs.”
CFSI and NFFF recognize VFIS and the UL Fire Safety Research Institute for serving as co-sponsors of the award. Their support makes it possible to honor fire service organizations for their contributions to firefighter health and safety with this prestigious award.
