The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) selected the Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative and the Denver Fire Department as the co-recipients of the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award.

The award will be presented at the 31st Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on April 25, 2019, in Washington, DC. Named after retired-Senator Paul S. Sarbanes of Maryland, a strong advocate for our nation’s firefighters and rescue personnel during his 36-year career in Congress, the award recognizes organizations for outstanding contributions to firefighter health and safety. State Farm Insurance and VFIS serve as the corporate supporters of the award program.

Established in 2016 as a nonprofit organization, the Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative brings together members of the fire service and health and safety advocates in the state of Florida to share information and best practices on firefighter health and safety. The program continues to expand, currently covering five regions of the state with plans pending for future expansion. Firefighter cancer prevention, emotional and mental wellness, heath and physical fitness, and safety at all emergency incidents are the key focus areas of the program.

The Denver Fire Department is being recognized for its development of a comprehensive health and safety program. The Denver Fire Department Safety and Training program incorporates fitness, nutrition and behavioral health that can be tailored to the needs of each individual firefighter. The elements are integrated with the department’s safety and training program, beginning with the recruit level and continuing well into each firefighter’s career.

CFSI President Bill Jenaway and NFFF Chairman Dennis Compton issued a joint statement recognizing the 2019 recipients of the Sarbanes award. “We are witnessing dramatic changes in the fire service on the issue of health and safety – changes inspired in part by firefighters at the local level who are passionate about making the profession safer. We commend both the Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative and the Denver Fire Department for the two establishment of two successful health and safety programs. What makes these programs successful is the collaboration and cooperation of so many individuals at the local level who care deeply about the health and safety of their fellow first responders. We look forward to honoring both organizations at the 31st Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner.”

Please click here for additional information about the 31st Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Symposium. Approximately 1,500 fire and emergency services leaders throughout the nation are expected to attend the annual program.