KNOXVILLE – The Knoxville Fire Department became the 7th fire department in Iowa to achieve Gold Helmet Designation this week.
Gold Helmet Designations are achieved through participation in the National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer. A total of 163 fire departments in the country have received this recognition.
The Gold Helmet Designation, which is awarded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), recognizes fire departments that have enrolled at least 50% of their active members to the registry, reflecting a strong commitment to advancing research on the link between firefighting and cancer.
The National Firefighter Registry is the largest effort ever undertaken to better understand and reduce cancer risks in the fire service. By participating, firefighters help researchers identify trends, improve prevention strategies, and develop safer practices for future generations.
“Achieving Gold Helmet Designation is a testament to the commitment our firefighters have to not only serve this community, but also protecting one another, and the future of the fire service,” said Fire Chief Cal Wyman. “By taking part in this national effort, our team is helping to lead the way in improving firefighter health and safety through research, station design, and decontamination procedures for departments across the country.”
“Some of what we have already learned is being put to use in our new public safety building currently under construction. This building was purposefully designed to reduce carcinogen exposure by separating apparatus bays and other high contaminate areas from living quarters. The new building will have source capture exhaust systems that capture and remove diesel and other exhaust fumes directly from the vehicle while they are inside the station. Along with a designated area for deconning contaminated gear and equipment.”
Cancer remains one of the leading health risks facing firefighters. Participating in the registry helps protect firefighters, reduces the impact of cancer on their families, and paves the way for stronger safety measures in the future.
