Knoxville Fire Department Achieves Gold Helmet Designation

Knoxville Fire Department has achieved Gold Helmet Designation through participation in the National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer, becoming the seventh (7th) department in Iowa and one of one hundred and sixty-three (163) in the nation to receive this national recognition.  

The Gold Helmet designation, 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.  This milestone reflects 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 not to 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, 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 removes 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 pave the way for stronger safety measure in the future.  

Knoxville Fire Department is proud of its personnel for stepping up to support this critical initiative and for helping to lead the way in Iowa.