By Bill Carey
FireRescue1
EMMITSBURG, Md. — The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has honored Dr. Sara Jahnke as the 2024 recipient of the Arthur J. Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award, recognizing her commitment to firefighter health and safety research.
Jahnke serves as director of the nonprofit 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, Jahnke also serves as president of Science to the Station.
Dr. Jahnke was presented with the award by NFFF Chair Troy Markel during the recent Science to the Station event, held at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
“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,” Markel said. “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.”
The NFFF established the Arthur J. Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award to honor those who continue Glatfelter’s legacy of supporting the fire service. In 1969, he founded Volunteer Fireman’s Insurance Services (VFIS), the first company to provide insurance for volunteer firefighters. Glatfelter was a dedicated advocate for the NFFF, serving on its Board of Directors for many years.
