PHILLIPSBURG, Kan. — The Phillipsburg Fire Department has been honored with the Gold Helmet Department distinction by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), marking a significant milestone in the department’s commitment to personnel safety and long-term health.
The prestigious recognition is reserved for fire departments that enroll at least 50% of their active personnel in the National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer.
Addressing a Leading Cause of Death
Occupational cancer remains a leading cause of death among firefighters, who are frequently exposed to a cocktail of carcinogens and hazardous chemicals in the line of duty. The NFR represents the largest national effort to date specifically designed to track, understand, and eventually reduce these risks.
“By joining the registry, our firefighters contribute to pivotal research that identifies trends, improves prevention strategies, and fosters the development of safer practices across the fire service,” the department stated in a release.
A Growing Movement in Kansas
Phillipsburg joins an elite group of departments prioritizing occupational health. The statistics highlight the scale of the initiative:
- 156 departments are currently participating nationwide.
- 18 of those departments are located within the state of Kansas.
How to Get Involved
Participation in the National Firefighter Registry is voluntary and open to all U.S. firefighters, including both active and retired members. The Phillipsburg Fire Department is encouraging other agencies to join the effort to help build a comprehensive database that can protect future generations of first responders.
For more information on the registry and how to enroll, visit the CDC/NIOSH National Firefighter Registry website.
