ARLINGTON, Va. — The Roswell Fire Department and Allentown Volunteer Fire Department will receive the 2025 Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award on Feb. 13, 2025, at the 35th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, D.C. The award honors exceptional contributions to firefighter health and safety.
“Progress at the local level, as demonstrated by these two departments, can create a strong foundation for national advancement in firefighter health and safety,” Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) President Jim Estepp and National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) Board Chair Troy Markel said in a statement. “We commend the two award recipients for embracing the fire service pledge that “Everyone Goes Home” with their innovative programs.”
The Roswell Fire Department is being honored for partnering with researchers to study how a new shift schedule and adjusted start times impact firefighter health and performance. The study aims to show that improving sleep quality can reduce physical and mental health issues.
The Allentown Volunteer Fire Department is being recognized for reducing firefighter risks when responding in private vehicles. Following a tragic 2002 accident, members now use dash cams and the WAZE app to monitor driving and review safety procedures.
CFSI and NFFF thank VFIS and the UL Fire Safety Research Institute for co-sponsoring the award, which honors contributions to firefighter health and safety.
