The Knoxville Fire Department has achieved Gold Helmet Designation through participation in the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer.
The department is just the seventh in the state of Iowa and one of 163 in the nation to receive national recognition. The Gold Helmet designation, awarded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, recognizes fire departments that have enrolled at least 50% of their active members to the registry. The designation signifies 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.
Cancer remains one of the leading health risks facing firefighters and 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.
