Skidmore College First Responder Health and Safety Laboratory (FRHSL) has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award.
This prestigious recognition is jointly awarded by the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF).
The award presentation is scheduled for the 34th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, DC, on April 29, 2024.
Named after retired Senator Paul S. Sarbanes of Maryland, a well-known advocate for firefighters and rescue personnel, the Sarbanes Award annually acknowledges organizations contributing significantly to firefighter health and safety.
Established in 2007, FRHSL is recognized nationally as a leading research facility dedicated to studying the risks associated with fire service.
Its focus on practical application of scientific findings distinguishes the laboratory.
Collaborating with major national fire service organizations like the NFFF, International Association of Fire Fighters, and International Association of Fire Chiefs, FRHSL plays a crucial role in advancing safety measures within the fire service community.
CFSI President Jim Estepp and NFFF Board Chair Troy Markel commended FRHSL for its contribution to firefighter health and safety.
In their joint statement, they highlighted the lab’s pivotal role in research, emphasizing its impact on reducing fatalities and injuries in fire and emergency services.
This year, CFSI proudly announced the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) as a new corporate co-sponsor of the Sarbanes Award.
FSRI, part of UL Research Institutes, is globally recognized for its research in fire safety and firefighter health.
FSRI, a co-recipient of the 2018 Sarbanes Award, joins VFIS in supporting CFSI and NFFF in honoring fire service organizations for their contributions to firefighter health and safety.
FRHSL’s dedication to translating research into practical applications for the fire service is a testament to the lab’s commitment to reducing risks faced by firefighters.
The partnership between major fire service organizations and research institutions like FRHSL and FSRI is a key component in addressing the complex challenges faced by firefighters.
As new risks emerge and existing ones evolve, the continuous collaboration between these entities is crucial for the development of effective safety protocols and interventions.
The involvement of FSRI as a new corporate co-sponsor of the Sarbanes Award reflects the growing emphasis on comprehensive, research-backed approaches to fire service safety and underscores the collective effort in this vital mission.
