The Roswell Fire Department in Georgia has been selected to receive the 2025 Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award.
The department is being recognized for its collaboration with researchers to analyze the impact of a new shift schedule and adjusted start times on firefighter performance and well-being.
The study evaluates the immediate (acute) and long-term (chronic) effects of the schedule changes, with a focus on improving sleep quality.
The results aim to demonstrate how enhanced sleep can reduce physical and mental health issues among firefighters.
The Allentown Volunteer Fire Department in Georgia is being awarded for its efforts to reduce risks associated with emergency responses in privately owned vehicles (POVs).
The department implemented safety measures after a 2002 accident that resulted in the loss of a firefighter.
Members now use dash cameras and navigation apps, such as WAZE, to monitor their emergency responses.
The video footage is reviewed to assess driving performance and ensure safety procedures are followed during emergency responses and at incident scenes.
The awards will be presented on February 13, 2025, during the 35th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, DC.
The event, hosted by the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), will bring together approximately 1,500 fire and emergency service leaders from across the United States.
Named after the late Senator Paul S. Sarbanes of Maryland, the award honors organizations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to improving firefighter health and safety.
CFSI President Jim Estepp and National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) Board Chair Troy Markel issued a joint statement highlighting the achievements of the two departments:
“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.”
The award is co-sponsored by VFIS and the UL Fire Safety Research Institute, which support initiatives recognizing fire service contributions to firefighter safety and well-being.
The Roswell Fire Department and Allentown Volunteer Fire Department in Georgia have been selected to receive the 2025 Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award.
Roswell Fire Department is recognized for its collaborative study on the effects of shift schedules and start times on firefighter health and performance.
Allentown Volunteer Fire Department implemented measures to improve safety during emergency responses in privately owned vehicles.
The awards will be presented on February 13, 2025, during the 35th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, DC.
The event, hosted by CFSI, will include fire and emergency service leaders from across the country.
VFIS and the UL Fire Safety Research Institute serve as co-sponsors of the award, supporting recognition of firefighter health and safety initiatives.
