Workgroup Re- 1

WORKGROUP REPORT | OCTOBER 2022 – AUGUST 2023 

20

23

U.S. Fire 

Administrator’s 

Summit on 

Fire Prevention 

and Control
2 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control | #FireServiceOneVoice 

Table of Contents

3 Letter from the Fire

Administrator to the 

President of the United States

5 Introduction: About the

Workgroup Recommendations

Workgroup Summaries 

6 Impact of Climate Change 

8 Recruitment and Retention 

11 Firefighter Cancer 

19 Mental Health and Well-Being 

25 Codes and Standards 

29 Whole-of-Government Approach

41 Appendix: 

Workgroup Acknowledgments
Workgroup Report | October 2022 – August 2023 3

Letter From the U.S. Fire Administrator

to the President of the United States

October 2023 

The President 

The White House 

Washington, D.C. 

Dear Mr. President: 

It is my honor to present the recommendations of America’s fire service to address the tremendous

scourge of fire on our nation. These comprehensive and actionable solutions were developed over

the past year by six workgroups created at the 2022 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire

Prevention and Control to provide a strategic approach to implementing the National Fire Strategy.

This report comes a half-century after the National Commission on Fire Prevention and Control

issued its seminal report “America Burning,” which highlighted the need for a comprehensive and

coordinated approach involving government agencies, industry, and the public to address the

menace of fire. That original report also galvanized support for reforms such as the establishment

of the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and its National Fire Academy under the Federal Fire

Prevention and Control Act of 1974. Although substantial strides forward have been made over the

past 50 years, there is still much work to be done as witnessed by the recent August 2023 fires in

Maui, Hawaii. 

Fire is a threat to individuals and our communities, and fire is also a threat to our homeland. Beyond

whole-of-government reactive responses to fire tragedies and disasters, America also needs a

proactive whole-of-government approach to our nation’s fire problem. If the United States had the

ability to prevent or stop hurricanes, we would. We have the ability to stop and prevent most fires.

A proactive and resourced whole-of-government approach is needed to meet this challenge.

It requires national resources, coordination, collaboration, and standardization involving a range of

stakeholders from government, industry, non-profit institutions, academia, and engaged citizens. 

Now, more than ever, we have the means to address the fire-related challenges we face. This

includes addressing wildfire due to climate change, improvements in codes and standards to protect

our most vulnerable citizens, the reduction of cancer-causing chemicals affecting firefighters along

with supporting the mental health of our first responders, and developing recruitment programs for

a diverse and well-trained American fire service. 

I urge all appropriate Federal government officials as well as leaders throughout our nation to study

and help implement the recommendations outlined in this report. Innovative thinking, the

willingness to use all available tools, and a concerted national effort are needed, because Fire Is

Everyone’s Fight.® Together, we can save lives. Together, we can prevent America from burning. 

I look forward to discussing the way forward with you at the 2023 Summit on Fire Prevention and

Control on October 10, 2023. 

Sincerely and respectfully, 

Lori Moore-Merrell, DrPH, MPH 

U.S. Fire Administrator 

U.S. Fire Administration

U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit

on Fire Prevention and Control

Workgroup Recommendations

Introduction

The 2022 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control outlined a

Fire Service National Strategy and set the strategic direction to address the firerelated challenges facing our nation. Six work-groups were established to develop

comprehensive and actionable solutions focused on the following areas:

Impact of Climate Change 

Prepare all firefighters for the climate-driven increase in wildfires in the wildland

urban interface (WUI) and in rural and suburban communities by providing them

with the proper training and equipment.

Recruitment and Retention

Invest in recruitment and retention initiatives and incentives to address the shortage

of firefighters and make the fire service more diverse and inclusive.

Firefighter Cancer 

Establish a comprehensive firefighter cancer strategy that invests in research,

provides access to screening for firefighters, and reduces and eliminates PFAS

exposure.

Mental Health and Well-Being 

Provide comprehensive mental health and well-being resources, including those

focused on suicide prevention, for all fire and EMS personnel.

Codes and Standards 

Create safer communities by implementing and enforcing codes and standards, as

created by a national consensus process, especially in the WUI and under-served and

vulnerable populations in rural and urban areas; and provide affordable and fire-safe

housing. 

Whole-of-Government Approach

Employ a proactive and fully resourced whole-of-government approach, with

significant involvement by the fire service, to address threats — including fire — to

the health and safety of our nation’s population.

The workgroups met throughout the remainder of 2022 and 2023. This report

outlines their recommendations.

Workgroup Report | October 2022 – August 2023 5
Workgroup Summary 

Impact of Climate Change

Overarching Goal: 

Prepare all firefighters for the climate-driven increase in wildfires in the wildland

urban interface (WUI) and in rural and suburban communities by providing them

with the proper training and equipment.

Issue: 

WUI fires are one of the most devastating fire problems in the United States.

Currently, most structural firefighters receive little to no training on how to respond,

remain safe and/or how to operate effectively in

an extremely dangerous and dynamic fire

environment. 

The increasing incidence of climate-driven

wildfires that affect communities means that

more municipal fire departments are

responsible for wildland/WUI firefighting.

Structural firefighters, accustomed to fighting

one structure fire at a time, are now being

confronted with multiple structures burning

simultaneously. They must react and respond

with uncharacteristic tactics and strategies to

successfully mitigate the event by reducing or

eliminating fire spread. The reality is that they

must add urban interface wildfire strategies and

tactics to their operational skillset. 

According to the 2021 National Fire Protection

Association’s Fifth Needs Assessment, of the U.S.

Fire Service document, 87% of fire departments

in the U.S. are responsible for responding to wildland and urban interface fires, yet

78% of these departments that perform wildland and WUI firefighting operations

have unmet training needs, and these needs are more pronounced in smaller

departments. Nearly half (47 percent) of the departments that perform wildland and

WUI firefighting operations indicated that their training does not include specialized

WUI firefighting operations training.

Fire departments cannot safely and effectively respond to wildland or WUI fires

without proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Two-thirds of departments

have unmet needs for wildland PPE for their firefighters, both men and women.

Research, innovation, and standards for respirators purpose-fit for wildland and WUI

firefighting as well as PPE for female firefighters are needed. There are significant

risks associated with ill-fitting PPE because firefighters are not able to move as easily

or as quickly as they need to. 

If not addressed, the lack of wildfire/WUI training and appropriate PPE for all

responding personnel in local fire departments will lead to an increase in firefighter

injuries and deaths. 

6 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control | #FireServiceOneVoice 

The wildland urban interface

(WUI) is where suburban and

rural areas merge with the

wildland. About one-third of

the U.S. population, 99

million people, live in the

WUI and it is estimated that

45 to 46 million structures,

nearly half of U.S. building

stock, are in the WUI.
Recommendations:

Training

4Develop a searchable online database/knowledge base of available training

courses in order to increase opportunities for all partners and practitioners to be

able to locate and access training through a single platform.

4Identify gaps and opportunities in content and delivery. 

4Prioritize identified gaps and opportunities to inform short-term actions to mitigate

those gaps and maximize opportunities. 

4Virtualize all courses and content offered by fire service partners.

4Modernize existing curriculum by partners such as the National Wildfire

Coordinating Group (NWCG) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) that includes

such concepts as mitigation, fire adaptation, Cohesive Strategy, Community

Wildfire Protection Plans, post-fire processes and needs, etc. 

4Create new curriculum where needed.

4Publicize availability and importance of wildfire/WUI training courses to municipal

fire departments.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

4All local (municipal) departments must have appropriate PPE for all personnel

responding to wildland and WUI fires.

4Gain consensus between National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National

Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and other federal and state

occupational safety agencies on the definition of “WUI environment” for the

purposes of defining the minimum requirements for respirators for wildland and

WUI environments. 

4Secure funding and establish public-private partnerships to complete necessary

research and innovation for respirators purpose-fit for wildland and WUI

firefighting.

4Secure funding and establish public-private partnerships to complete necessary

research into design standards for PPE for female firefighters for structural as well

as wildland and WUI fires.

4Incorporate design standards for PPE for female firefighters into official standards.

4Advocate for the design, manufacture, and purchase of PPE for female firefighters

designed to the proper standard.

Workgroup Report | October 2022 – August 2023 7
Workgroup Summary

Fire Service Recruitment and

Retention

Overarching Goal:

Invest in recruitment and retention programs to address the shortage of firefighters

and make the fire service more diverse and inclusive.

Issue:

In recent years there has been a steady decline in the number of firefighters in the

nation. This decline is impacting both career and volunteer departments, leaving the

communities they serve vulnerable to threats and increasing the stresses among

firefighters and the municipalities. It is imperative that we invest in programs to

incentivize individuals to join volunteer and career fire departments.

Historically, the fire service hasn’t had to recruit and retain members actively. There

were usually too many applicants for career positions, and communities fully

supported their local volunteer department generation after generation. But that has

changed, and dramatically so over the past few years, due to retirements and the

effects of the pandemic.

The National Fire Protection Association’s 2022 U.S. Fire Department Profile

estimated there are 1,041,200 career and volunteer firefighters in the United States,

which is approximately 62,100 less than in 2010. In 2010, the rate of firefighters per

1,000 citizens was 3.57. In 2020, the rate of firefighters per 1,000 citizens was 3.14. At

the same time, call volumes have more than tripled, primarily due to increased

emergency medical calls. With firefighter shortages come response time delays,

closed stations, firefighter safety issues, mandatory overtime, and financial impacts

on municipalities. 

The fire service also struggles to recruit and retain women and people of color.

Women represent 11% of volunteer firefighters and 5% of career firefighters,

according to the NFPA’s 2022 U.S. Fire Department Profile. The most recent data

from the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2019 reported that 11.6% of career firefighters

were Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% were African American, and 1.3% were Asian-Pacific

Islanders. 

Recommendations:

4Support the development of apprenticeship, cadet, internship, and supplemental

education programs as a vehicle to recruit career and volunteer fire and EMS

personnel.

4Continue to support efforts of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)

which is working with U.S. Department of Labor to create a national

apprenticeship program for the fire service and EMS. 

8 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control | #FireServiceOneVoice 
4Support efforts of the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) working with U.S.

Department of Education and other entities on Comprehensive Technical

Education (CTE) and cadet programs for the fire service and EMS. 

4Create an online repository of best practices for recruitment and retention.

4Create national media campaign including Public Service Announcements (PSAs)

that share what the fire service does, how individuals can serve as either career or

volunteer members, and connects them with local opportunities (searchable by zip

code). 

4Create a nationwide “How to Become a Firefighter” portal showcasing new and

existing recruitment resources and related social media sites.

4Explore ways to bridge EMS training for military medics while the individuals are

still in the service. 

Workgroup Report | October 2022 – August 2023 9

Workgroup Summary 

Firefighter Cancer

Overarching Goal:

Establish a comprehensive firefighter cancer strategy that invests in research,

provides access to cancer screening for firefighters, and reduces and eliminates PFAS

exposure.

Issue:

Firefighters have a 9% higher risk of developing cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying

from cancer compared to the general public. In 2022, 74% of firefighter line-of-duty

deaths were due to cancer.

Occupational cancer in the fire service has

moved from anecdotal discussions to a

prominent place in health and safety

considerations to protect firefighters

adequately and consistently. An increase in

research led by dedicated subject matter

experts has, over the last two decades, more

closely linked the hazards of the occupation

with an increased risk of cancer in firefighters

and others working in this hazardous

environment.

Recently, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on

Cancer (IARC) declared a firefighter’s occupational exposure at the highest level, as a

“Class 1 threat carcinogenic to humans.” The IARC Working Group found “sufficient

evidence” to connect occupational exposure as a firefighter with mesothelioma and

bladder cancer. They also found “limited evidence” of a link between firefighting and

colon, prostate and testicular cancer. This finding, the result of years of research, is a

game-changing opportunity to further consolidate hard-won gains in research and

knowledge into profound impacts. In 2010, the National Institute for Occupational

Safety and Health (NIOSH) found firefighters have excess cancer risk compared to

the general population for multiple cancers, including testicular, brain, prostate and

colon cancers, as well as mesothelioma, multiple myeloma and leukemia. 

Departments large and small, career and volunteer, structural and wildland, are

taking steps to reduce this risk and educate their members, however, more help is

needed. Much of the research on occupational cancer isn’t making it to the street

firefighter in language they can understand. Current firefighter cancer research

efforts are not fully coordinated and the specific exposures and mechanisms leading

to the increased cancer rates are not known. Existing cancer screening

recommendations do not take into account that firefighting is a significant risk factor

for cancer. PFAS, carcinogenic forever chemicals that degrade very slowly, are found

in a firefighter’s blood, their firehouses, some firefighting foams, and most

concerning, bunker gear -- the very gear meant to protect firefighters. Nextgeneration PFAS-free bunker gear and PPE can remove this risk.

Workgroup Report | October 2022 – August 2023 11

This report is dedicated in

memory of all fire service

members who have suffered

from or succumbed to the

ravages of cancer.
Recommendations:

Overall

4Develop a national-level comprehensive firefighter cancer strategy. A national

strategy should include an awareness campaign, policy examples, chief officer

support, and company officer training. 

4Invest in research to expand our understanding of the mechanisms between

occupational exposures and cancer, why firefighters are at heightened risk from

some cancers, and better understand the cancer risks of our understudied

populations, including women and minorities.

4Incorporate cancer mitigation strategies into training on operational strategies and

tactics. 

4It is imperative that the primary care community understand the risk factors. for

cancer among firefighters. 

Converting Research to Plain Language

Convert research to plain language so fire service members have a better understanding

of the risks and steps they can take to reduce their occupational exposure to carcinogens.

Plain language materials make it easier for everyone to understand and use health

information. Examples of such materials include infographics that are available in

multiple languages; research summaries that have minimal technical jargon; short videos

with worker testimonials; webinars; and misinformation alerts.

4Identify the appropriate organization (perhaps the Firefighter Cancer Support

Network) to coordinate the championing of efforts to translate firefighter cancer

research into practice and disseminate information through existing organizational

channels. 

4Identify relatable fire service stories and personnel to share brief but hard-hitting

and candid messages about cancer prevention, early detection, treatment

management, and evidence-based recommendations in easily accessible formats

(e.g., video, pictures). 

4Form a coalition comprised of the First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE),

Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

(NFFF), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), International Association of

Fire Chiefs (IAFC), National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), Fire Department Safety

Officers Association (FDSOA), and International Association of Arson Investigators

(IAAI) research groups to produce “one voice” of plain language actionable devices

(e.g., infographs, plain talk messaging). 

4Create actionable approaches for translating research to practical actions for all

layers of the fire service through engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders. 

4Use technology to facilitate the translation of research into practice. This can

include the development of mobile applications, online resources, and other tools

that make it easier for firefighters and fire departments to access and implement

evidence-based strategies. 

12 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control | #FireServiceOneVoice 
4Explore what prevention messages have been successful in motivating

engagement in other national marketing campaigns. 

4Develop and secure funding for a targeted, co-branded marketing campaign to

educate the fire service on current and emerging science related to the

optimization of health for firefighters. 

Firefighter Cancer Screening 

Promote the advantages of and access to cancer screenings for all fire service members so

indicators of cancer can be discovered at the earliest possible exam, improving

survivability.

4Seek and secure cancer screenings for all members of the fire service exposed to

carcinogens and options for cancer screening for the families of the firefighters.

4Convene an advisory panel of experts to develop and regularly revise

recommendations for screenings based on emerging literature. 

4Support research on the sensitivity and specificity of screening approaches

currently being used by the fire service. 

4Provide resources for recruiting fire service centric healthcare providers and cancer

researchers. Continue partnerships and foster relationships within the research

community that promotes cancer screenings for firefighters. 

4Develop an algorithm of screening recommendations by age, years of service, and

other health risk factors. 

4Determine the potential for funding cancer screenings through existing sources

within the federal government (e.g. DHS) and disseminate possibilities to the fire

service. 

4Develop a roadmap for negotiating more aggressive cancer screening coverage

with health insurance providers and disseminate the methodology nationally. 

4Leverage National Firefighter Registry (NFR) data to understand patterns of

developing cancer nationally. 

4Leverage the data collected by payees of state cancer presumption legislation to

identify trends in diagnosis. 

4Capitalize on forthcoming IARC monograph to identify cancers at highest likelihood

of diagnosis. 

4Encourage the National Firefighter Registry (NFR) to conduct a regular survey of

cancer screenings and outcomes to developed cancers. 

4Encourage other studies to integrate cancer screenings as a data collection

component to further the understanding of the utility of various screening

approaches. 

4Encourage all departments to provide annual medical exams to their personnel in

accordance with NFPA 1582. 

Workgroup Report | October 2022 – August 2023 13
4Build a relationship with the national medical associations (e.g. American Medical

Association) to educate providers on cancer development and treatment

approaches for fire & EMS. 

4Prioritize outreach and training to healthcare providers in occupational health

settings, primary care, and specialties. 

4Provide resources to develop a comprehensive approach to recruit, engage and

support healthcare providers who work with firefighters.

PFAS and Toxicants 

Increase funding for more research on the effects of PFAS and other toxicants on fire

service member health outcomes.

Policy Level 

4The USFA should support development of a central clearinghouse for firefighter

PFAS exposure information. 

4Fire service organizations and researchers should develop recommendations for

serum PFAS screening programs in firefighters. 

4The USFA should support efforts that engage firefighters in conducting scientific

research focusing on PFAS and other toxicants screening. 

4The USFA should support development of a consortium that fosters collaborative

efforts among fire service organizations and research scientist in academic settings

focusing on PFAS and other toxicant exposure and their effects on physiological

disruptions holistically (e.g., cancer, liver toxicity, hormone disruption, mental

health, resiliency, etc.). 

4The USFA should support cross sectional and longitudinal academic research

efforts focusing on identifying the biomarkers of effect due to PFAS and other

toxicant exposures. 

4The USFA should support the academic research efforts focusing on the effects of

PFAS exposure and other toxicants on other health related issues in addition to

cancer. 

4The USFA should support research efforts that include engagements of health care

providers as well as State and local representatives (education and outreach with

higher impact). 

Scientific Research 

4Connect data sets to elucidate exposure in firefighter histories (e.g., military

exposures, Environmental Working Group (EWG) contamination maps). 

4Compare PFAS screening tests to facilitate combining results from different labs 

4Carry out cross sectional and longitudinal analysis of changes in firefighter serum

PFAS 

Environment

4Identify additional sources of PFAS in the firefighting work environment (burning

sofa, carpet, household items, dust, water, etc.). 

14 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control | #FireServiceOneVoice 
4Quantify the presence of each PFAS. 

4Identify the type of PFAS in different sources. 

Exposure 

4Identify exposure pathways in firefighters. 

4Quantify transdermal exposure vs. inhalation vs. ingestion. 

Effect 

4Identify and elucidate biological mechanisms resulting from PFAS exposures

(Genomic, Epigenomic, miRNA, Exposome, Oxidative stress assays, Chronic

inflammation Markers, Telomere length, Immune functional assays, Metabolomic

assays, Cell Proliferation assays). 

4Expand list of biomarkers of effect studied in firefighters. 

4Explore expansion of and new analytic methods to elucidate biological

mechanisms that increases cancer risk in firefighters e.g. untargeted approaches,

metabolomics, immune effects, mutational frequency, clonal expansion, long read

sequencing, use of epi-genetic clocks as a risk factor. 

PFAS Reduction and Elimination Interventions 

4Biomedical/clinical intervention. 

4Environmental Intervention (water treatment, landfill, etc.). 

Products of Combustion — Environment

4Expand list of environmental analytics studied on the fire ground. 

4Explore expansion of and new analytic methods to further characterize

environmental contaminants e.g., untargeted approaches, NMR-MS. 

Products of Combustion — Exposure

4Expand list of biomarkers of exposure studied in firefighters. 

4Explore expansion of and new analytic methods to better characterize firefighters’

exposures e.g. untargeted approaches, PHE-T to measure exposure and CYP/EPHX

pathway. 

Products of Combustion — Effect

4Expand list of biomarkers of effect studied in firefighters. 

4Explore expansion of and new analytic methods to elucidate biological

mechanisms that increases cancer risk in firefighters e.g., untargeted approaches,

metabolomics, immune effects, mutational frequency, clonal expansion, long read

sequencing, use of epi-genetic clocks as a risk factor. 

Bunker Gear

4Develop new standards for PFAS-free bunker gear and PPE.

4Develop, evaluate, and manufacture next-generation PFAS-free bunker gear and

PPE as quickly as possible.

Workgroup Report | October 2022 – August 2023 15
4Secure funding for and invest in well-fitting, PFAS-free bunker gear and PPE for

every firefighter.

4Find a safe way to dispose of existing contaminated bunker gear and PPE so that

we are not spreading PFAS contamination into the environment.

Human Factors 

Study, identify, and provide strategies that consider human factors elements impacting

fire service member response to cancer prevention — this includes considering complex

organizational factors surrounding fire department processes and procedures, including

leadership and communication around cancer prevention, and how these processes

intersect with and influence individual firefighter practices.

4Secure funding to develop and deliver cancer prevention messaging that is based

on human factors.

4Increase training and messaging that focuses on how human factors influence

firefighters’ views of cancer prevention messaging. 

4Revisit USFA programming to ensure cancer prevention messaging considers the

role human factors play in how members of the fire service receive, process, and

implement cancer prevention messages. 

4Policy recommendations relative to improving human factors must be defined by

current research. 

4Human factor research and guidance should occur prior to

tool/equipment/research (invest in people before we invest in things). 

4Ensure currently known and vetted Human Factors information is widely

disseminated, across a variety of platforms, at low or no cost. 

4Seek Congressional funding to support research that considers the relationship

between human factors and occupational firefighter cancer. Funding should

include studying the particular the role of the company officer and how firefighters

process cancer prevention messaging.

4Cancer-related research studies should include human factors components that

identify barriers and potential solutions at the individual and fire company level. 

4Cancer-related research studies should incorporate human factors components in

interventions that help the fire service execute evidence-based practices at the

individual and fire company level.

Developing High Priority Research Programs 

Develop new or support existing nationally focused research programs to prioritize and

address the most threatening cancer risks to fire service members.

4Develop a National Fire & EMS Cancer Research and Prevention Program.

Centralize data integration, leveraging existing efforts. Develop strategies to

enhance national laboratory coordination along with standardized collection

protocols. 

16 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control | #FireServiceOneVoice 
4Support consistent and ongoing funding for the National Firefighter Registry (NFR),

the Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study (FFCCS), and other programs trying to

understand cancer and reduce exposures and adverse health effects at a national

level. 

4The USFA should work with federal funding agencies to establish a center to fund

the Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study (FFCCS) and other national firefighter research

initiatives and provide a mechanism for coordination among these studies and

state funded initiatives. Within this center, funding and coordination should be

provided to assist research studies or public health surveillance programs aimed at

evaluating the effects of high-risk exposures such as large industrial fires and other

manmade and natural disasters. 

4Support the development and deployment of a national strategy for responding to

large scale natural and manmade disasters to collect real time biological samples,

and survey data to understand the short- and long-term impacts of major events

that leverages fire service infrastructure and support and integrates research into

standard response protocols within the national incident management structure. 

4The USFA should develop a robust data collection system for identifying

responders at an emergency incident and make the data available for research or

public health surveillance. Such data is instrumental to understanding firefighters’

unique exposures and evaluating how they relate to disease outcomes. Improve

the nationwide system for identifying responders at emergency incidents,

leveraging existing technology (e.g., computer aided dispatch, mobile devices, etc.)

to remove some of the reporting burden on departments. 

4Create a mechanism for providing data to the fire and EMS community, public

health and medical communities, and other stakeholders in near real time.

Coordination should be between all national data stewards to modernize data

dissemination in an efficient and relevant way. Provide report back of biomarkers

of exposure and effect (e.g., serum PFAS, DNA methylation) including dashboard,

summary stats, education of fire service and link to incident level information/data,

as is being carried out in the Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study (FFCCS). Use these

reporting mechanisms to encourage implementation and utilization of empirically

supported risk mitigation. The USFA can support and coordinate existing exposure

and biological effect report-back programs. 

4Support efforts to understand the intersection of other health outcomes with

cancer (e.g., reproductive health) and, in doing so, leverage existing health outcome

data sources (e.g., Medicaid/Medicare, stroke registry, NDI, NDBPS, FFCCS).

Increase coordination and data sharing across systems that monitor health

outcomes Congress should consider expanding the scope of the National

Firefighter Registry (NFR) to include other health effects beyond cancer that may

have similar risk factors. 

4Research or public health surveillance programs should leverage fire service

organizations to support community-engaged research that is focused on

firefighters and other first responders. Leverage the fire service for data collection

protocols — such as regional response teams — which can act as a force multiplier

Workgroup Report | October 2022 – August 2023 17
for research and discovery. Cultivate and support firefighter research champions,

providing the necessary background, training, clearances, etc. for them to assist

with specific research or support activities. 

Presumptive Laws & Public Safety Officer Benefit (PSOB) 

Campaign for uniform national occupational cancer presumption and expansion of the

Public Safety Officer Benefit (PSOB) Program to include occupational cancer for all fire

service members.

4The Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program should be expanded to cover

line-of-duty deaths and permanent disabilities that occur as a result of

occupational cancer. 

4A publicly available and consistently updated database of state cancer

presumption laws should be made available to the fire service and hosted online.

The database should include statutory references to improve ability to access

reliable information. 

4Model state cancer presumption legislation should be developed and shared with

state and local fire service advocates with the goal of achieving uniform and

universal coverage in all 50 states with coverage for all firefighters (career and

volunteer). The ‘uniformity’ should be considered a ‘floor’ or starting point rather

than a maximum. The model legislation should include a toolkit with resources for

advocacy campaigns to enact the legislation. 

4A continuous and ongoing process should occur to ensure coverage evolves as

science is developed and/or new exposures are identified. 

18 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control | #FireServiceOneVoice 
Workgroup Summary

Mental Health and Well-Being

Overarching Goal:

Provide comprehensive mental health and well-being resources, including those

focused on suicide prevention, for all fire and EMS personnel.

Issue:

An increasing number of firefighters are dying by suicide, suffering from mental

health issues, and struggling with post-traumatic stress from occupational exposures

sustained while delivering services to the public. This report highlights the national

awareness needed and the requirements for leadership to advocate for: culturally

competent mental health specialists to address the unique fire and EMS personnel

needs; ongoing research to develop and refine mitigation strategies to manage the

impact of repeated, stressful occupational exposures, financial support for mental

health services, compilation of best practices for building a supportive culture for

normalizing mental well-being, gathering best practices for obtaining access to

mental health and well-being resources, and identification of measurable outcomes

and valid tools to assess progress toward the overarching goal. 

Firefighters and other rescue personnel develop post-traumatic stress at a similar

rate to military service members returning from combat, according to an August

2016 study from the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology. The report reveals

approximately 20% of firefighters and paramedics meet the criteria for posttraumatic stress at some point during their careers. This compares to a 6.8% lifetime

risk for the general population. The connection between post-traumatic stress and

traumatizing rescue work is clear. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

estimates there are between 100 and 200 firefighter deaths by suicide each year,

double the rate of the general population. According to the “Ruderman White Paper

on Mental Health and Suicide of First Responders,” the suicide rate for firefighters is

18 per 100,000 compared to 13 per 100,000 for the general public.

Although there is improvement in reducing the stigma around the topic of mental

health in the fire service, much more attention and resources are needed. Data are

needed to better understand and track the problem of firefighter mental health as

there is no formal, national strategy for monitoring rates and predictors of

occupational stress injuries and/or suicide within the fire service/EMS. There is also a

need for an assessment and evaluation of the programs currently addressing

firefighter mental health and well-being issues. 

Mental health and well-being support, as part of an overall healthy well-being

lifestyle, is not well integrated into the fire service culture. Further, Fire/EMS

personnel often face barriers to care due to mental health provider shortages in

many states throughout the U.S. and mental health clinicians often lack specialized

professional training to deliver culturally effective care when treating clients in public

safety occupations. In addition, there are no Z codes (medical codes used to report

social, economic, and environmental determinants known to affect health and

health-related outcomes) for issues related to work in the fire service/EMS, whereas

there is a specific Z code (Z56.82) related to military deployments. This lack of an

Workgroup Report | October 2022 – August 2023 19
appropriate, specific Z code may impact the ability of Fire/EMS personnel to qualify

for reimbursed mental health treatment, even though their mental health stressor

may be occupationally induced.

Recommendations:

*All recommendations should be sensitive to generational and time in service

differences and coordinated with other sub-advisory panels as relevant. 

Overall

4USFA shall be provided the legislative mandate to create an Advisory Panel on

Mental Health and Well-being of the Fire Service. The function of the Advisory

Panel should include, but is not limited to the following:

 1. Organize sub-advisory groups to include content experts to aid development

of the recommendations. 

 2. Provide oversight to sub-advisory groups.

 3. Provide comments and recommendations to the Fire Administrator regarding

necessary resources to address the identified needs.

 4. Provide improvements and/or revisions to recommendations deemed

appropriate. 

 5. Review scientific research in the areas of mental health and well-being. 

4Develop and implement a “Measures of Success” strategy. This strategy would

indicate outcomes to define the mental health and well-being of the workforce and

articulate the measured changes and results. Changes may include greater

understanding of mental health needs and services, improved access to mental

health services or programs, improvements in departmental policies, and a

workforce exhibiting increased mental health resiliency to the occupational

stressors of being a firefighter or EMS professional.

Culture

4Convene an ongoing sub-advisory panel charged to:

 1. Identify existing and/or build new resources for department personnel of all

ranks, to integrate into mental health and well-being culture initiatives. 

 2. Identify how to assess the integration of the resources and identify the gaps

to promote targeted research. 

 3. Provide recommendations for funding research to build a culture supportive

of seeking mental health and well-being resources throughout the life cycle

of employment. 

 4. Develop legislative tool kits for leadership to engage state and local

governments for sustained funding.

Individual Values

4Convene an ongoing sub-advisory panel of stakeholders charged to:

 1. Develop and sustain an evidence-based, comprehensive social marketing

20 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control | #FireServiceOneVoice 
campaign to normalize mental health and well-being support as one

component of an overall health and well-being lifestyle. 

 2. Identify barriers and drivers to seeking mental health and well-being support

to reveal future research opportunities.

 3. Identify possible research opportunities necessary to understand the lack of

uptake of resources across the different times in service profile groups.

 4. Develop routine and emergency policy templates for departments to provide

immediate and on-going assistance to fire/EMS personnel who are seeking

mental health and well-being support. Templates are needed for daily

operations, high-risk events, and events with extended operational periods. 

Providers

4Support interstate licensing compacts for mental health treatment providers in all

50 states and territories. 

4Develop and disseminate evidence-based standards for defining a trauma

informed, culturally competent clinician.

4Advance a brief set of intake assessments for hospitals to determine if the patient

is a firefighter and a secondary occupation question to capture if they are a

volunteer firefighter. 

4Convene an ongoing sub-advisory panel of stakeholders charged to:

 1. Prepare educational materials for fire/EMS personnel to understand what

mental health and well-being therapy is, how to access it, what to expect, the

different types of therapies, the professional qualifications and skills of

provider types, differences between experimental and certified best-practice

approaches, and what to look for when seeking support.

 2. Identify and utilize funding sources for development of education materials. 

 3. Identify and provide information about existing programs (i.e., 988) to

support individuals in crisis as well as report those in need.

 4. Identify one source to host, publish and maintain the materials. 

 5. Advance a national communication and dissemination strategy for all the

mental health and well-being materials. 

4Provide clinician training programs to enhance provider efficacy and treatment

delivery for mental health clinicians interested in working with public safety

occupations, including fire/EMS professionals. Include standards for number of

hours of ride along time with EMS/firefighters to be considered culturally

competent and trauma informed.

Interventions

4Convene an ongoing sub-advisory panel of stakeholders charged to:

 1. Develop criterion of “validated” mental health and well-being interventions

Workgroup Report | October 2022 – August 2023 21
that include primary prevention, intervention and post intervention

programs or strategies. 

 2. Identify currently available validated, evidence based mental health and wellbeing interventions, as well as those needing validation for fire service

personnel addressing prevention, intervention, and post intervention

programs or strategies.

 3. Identify evidence-based mental health and well-being resources outside the

fire service that can be adapted for fire/EMS.

 4. Develop a summary document with the current science-based

recommendations of evidence-based interventions and best practices for

their implementation.

 5. Develop “accreditation” standards supported by the USFA for programs that

specifically target the fire service (i.e., they need to be validated for the fire

service and meet national standards for utilization).

 6. Develop educational materials to impact normalizing the seeking of mental

health and well-being services and programs identifying the benefits and

importance of empirically validated approaches for specific outcomes.

 7. Identify one source(s) to host, publish and maintain a directory of validated

mental health and well-being interventions and resources for fire/EMS

personnel.

 8. Advance a national coordinated strategy for dissemination of the directory of

interventions and resources.

Monitor Predictors 

4Convene an ongoing sub-advisory panel of stakeholders charged to:

 1. Develop criteria for validated measurement tools and a quality ranking of

measures (until more research is done).

 2. Identify areas of research needed to develop measurement tools for

monitoring rates and predictors of mental health and well-being parameters.

 3. Provide validated measurement tools to adequately predict occupational

stress and subsequent injuries as well as those tools in process of being

validated.

 4. Identify a source(s) to host, publish and maintain a directory of validated

measurement tools of mental health and well-being parameters. 

 5. Advance a national strategy for utilizing and expanding dissemination of the

directory of measurement tools in coordination with other sub-advisory

groups.

 6. Explore feasibility of tracking workers’ compensation claims in national

aggregate to identify trends in claims over time related to occupational

stress.

22 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control | #FireServiceOneVoice 
4Convene an ongoing sub-advisory panel of stakeholders charged to:

 1. Identify key metrics for tracking mental health and well-being program

utilization by having departments report information to a national database.

 2. Develop a national database for collecting and providing utilization data of

mental health and well-being programs and services.

 3. Create a toolkit for departments to implement annual mental health and

well-being screening guidelines using the existing NFPA1582 standard.

4Promote funding for analysis of large-scale, long term cohort studies to identify

predictors (organizational, individual, environmental, and societal) of suicidal

ideation, depression, anxiety, and substance use/abuse disorders among fire/EMS

personnel.

4Promote research to describe the impact of incorporating changes to ICD 10-Z

codes including the occupational stressors of fire/EMS personnel. 

Funding

4Convene an ongoing sub-advisory panel of stakeholders charged to:

 1. Recommend the types of funding needed to provide and monitor the success

of infrastructure (access to programs, education for personnel, and

dissemination) to embed mental health and well-being programs in fire/EMS

departments and organizations.

 2. Identify sources of financial support for mental health and well-being

programs of fire/EMS personnel not covered by health insurance, or state

and regionally funded programs.

 3. Identify and recommend low or no cost strategies to immediately implement

available evidence-based mental health and well-being programs. 

 4. Provide a guidance publication for departments and organizations on how to

develop a robust grant proposal to acquire mental health and well-being

programs. 

 5. Identify one source to host, publish and maintain the database of applicable

grants for evidence-based mental health and well-being programs.

 6. Create legislative toolkits for state fire service leaders to advocate and

request state and local sustained resourcing for firefighter mental health and

well-being services and programs.

Workgroup Report | October 2022 – August 2023 23

Workgroup Summary 

Codes and Standards

Overarching Goal:

Create safer communities by implementing and enforcing codes and standards, as

created by a national consensus process, especially in the WUI and under-served and

vulnerable populations in rural and urban areas; and provide affordable and fire-safe

housing.

Issue:

State and local governments are responsible for promoting the use and enforcement

of current codes and standards. The federal government can help by incentivizing

compliance and providing funding to state and

local jurisdictions for code implementation,

inspection, and enforcement. This will increase

fire and life safety in communities, especially in

the WUI and among underserved and

vulnerable populations.

A 2019 National Institute for Building Sciences

report found that model building codes improve

building resilience to natural disasters and save

$11 for every $1 invested. All nationally

recognized modern building and fire codes

require the use of life-saving technology like

smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and

automatic fire sprinkler systems. Nevertheless,

the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban

Development estimates that there are

approximately 570,000 multifamily public housing units that were constructed before

the sprinkler requirement was established. A significant portion of these units lack

the protection offered by fire sprinklers putting millions of Americans at risk. 

Through linking data with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s)

Social Vulnerability Index, we can see that socioeconomic status, household

composition, racial and ethnic makeup, and housing status all play a role in a

community’s vulnerability to fire and the risks faced by firefighters. Fire

disproportionately impacts our most vulnerable populations: older adults, children,

people of color, low-income populations and people with disabilities. This is an

equity issue. The single most significant impact on civilian loss of life due to fire is

ensuring that any housing funded by the government is built and maintained with

the minimum national building code.

In buildings with automatic fire sprinkler systems, the civilian fire death rate is 89%

lower than nonsprinklered buildings and the injury rate is 27% lower. Furthermore,

property damage decreases significantly in buildings protected by fire sprinklers.

Nearly three out of five home fire deaths are caused by fires in properties without

smoke alarms or smoke alarms that failed to operate.

Workgroup Report | October 2022 – August 2023 25

Over 37,000 people have

died in the US since 2010 in

structural fires, less than 100

in buildings designed, built,

and maintained to the latest

national codes and standards

that were protected with

automatic fire sprinklers. 
Residential fires burn hotter and faster than they did in the past. In a fire today, you

have the least time to safely exit your home than at any point in history. The severity

of these fires has grown incredibly. Fire-related fatalities in 1- and 2-family homes

have increased by 20% since 1980. In the period between 2012 and 2019, this

increase is 30%. There are several factors leading to the increased severity of

residential fires. Homes constructed today tend to be larger than in the past, leading

to more complex escape routes and increased evacuation times. New homes tend to

have open spaces, making it easier for smoke and fire to spread. Modern

furnishings are made from synthetics and plastics that burn hotter and release more

toxins than traditional materials. Positive evolutions in construction have led to

lighter building materials and more energy-efficient homes, but they have also led to

heat capture. New technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries, can be new ignition

sources in the home. All of this leads to faster fire propagation, shorter time to

flashover, rapid changes in fire dynamics, shorter escape times, shorter time to

collapse, and other new and unknown hazards. Depending on where you live in the

nation, local fire department response time from the initial notification could be 6 or

more minutes. In modern homes, flashover can occur in 3 to 5 minutes. 

Globally, we are experiencing extreme weather events and significant shifts in

temperature. Wildfires encountered by today’s fire service are unlike those of a

generation ago. Severe droughts and longer periods of hot weather alternating with

bouts of heavy precipitation contribute to vegetation growth. Fluctuations between

an overabundance of rain and severe droughts with extreme high temperatures

result in that vegetation becoming dead and dry, contributing to fire intensity and

spread. To further exacerbate this situation, many communities in the WUI are

facing water shortages, impacting their ability to conduct fire suppression. These

impacts, along with the decisions our society has made about using and managing

landscapes, have created today’s wildfire disaster potential. 

According to the National Interagency Coordination Center, in 2022, there were

68,988 wildfires in the U.S., which burned over 7.57 million acres and destroyed

2,717 structures, of which 1,261 were residences. Despite this, FEMA reports only

25% of hazard-prone jurisdictions in the U.S. have adopted the latest 2 editions of

hazard-resistant building codes. 

A McClatchy analysis of the 2018 Camp Fire in California found that a 2008 building

code designed for California’s fire-prone regions requiring fire-resistant roofs, siding

and other safeguards appears to have protected more than 100 homes in the path of

that fire. Of the 350 single-family homes in the path of the Camp Fire that were built

after 2008, 51% were left undamaged by the fire. By contrast, only 18% of the 12,100

homes built before 2008 escaped damage. 

Current building and fire codes are based on three-year cycles. State adoption of

these national model codes can lag further behind. This creates the scenario where

new technologies, such as large-capacity battery systems, or building materials

utilized to promote building energy performances, are out-pacing the ability of the

national codes to keep pace with fire protection designs and requirements. This lag

in the ability of the model codes to keep pace with technology has impacted the fire

service’s ability to develop appropriate response models or tactical protocols.

26 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control | #FireServiceOneVoice 
The inability of the model codes to provide current provisions for emerging issues

often places the onus of approval on local officials. Often times local officials are

judging the ability of the proposed system to meet the intent of performance

required under the model code. Unfortunately, in many cases public officials are

challenged with the information provided to them by the proponent. Does the

proponent provide relevant test data? Is it the applicable test for the application?

Does the local official have the technical expertise to evaluate the test results that

are supplied? These are valid and concerning questions.

Currently research for the fire service is conducted by a small handful of

organizations that have the capability and funding to undertake these projects.

Organizations with the capability and funding to conduct larger scale testing is even a

smaller pool. Many times the fire service is relying on small grant funded projects to

provide information piecemeal. This results in a lengthy process and fire service

representatives being forced to connect the dots between grant projects and results. 

Unfortunately, in recent years, the National Institute of Standards and Technology

(NIST) has taken a step back from the fire testing industry. This step back from the

national fire testing arena has left a void for the fire service. NIST has the unique

capabilities to provide an unbiased testing facility with the ability to conduct largescale testing, or research, and act as the facilitator of collaborative testing and

discussion as these emerging technologies come to the market. If NIST is choosing

to remain sidelined, then a replacement organization, which USFA can partner with,

must be identified. 

In a review of the Fire Prevention and Control Act, the U.S. Fire Administrator has the

authority to review, evaluate and suggest changes to codes as well as to provide that

information in an annual report. In recent years, the codes process has realized an

increase of participation from FEMA representatives. These representatives have

actively participated in the submittal of proposed code changes and advocacy for the

adoption or rejection of code change proposals. Their areas of activities have mainly

focused on flood plain and weather pattern designations, but it demonstrates the

value of federal participation in the process as opposed to a federal control of the

process. 

Recommendations:

4Promote the adoption, implementation, and enforcement of fire and building

codes/standards as created by national consensus processes. 

4Provide a database of all jurisdictions that have adopted the minimum building and

fire codes. 

4Provide a database and repository of information on the jurisdictions that have

adopted codes and standards above the minimum. 

4Work with FEMA to amend the document “Building Codes Save: A Nationwide

Study” (November 2020) to include structural fires and fires in the wildland urban

interface.

4Provide current research or identify research that shows the cost benefit of

adopting modern building codes and how that integrates into a comprehensive fire

prevention and response approach to life safety.

Workgroup Report | October 2022 – August 2023 27
4Research the data gap to tell the right story — the Fire Service story — regarding

Codes and Standards. Establish a workgroup to identify specific areas of research

gaps related to, but not limited to:

 4Energy Storage Systems

 4EV and Modern vehicle fuel loads in modern parking garages. Required fire

protection and suppression fire response.

 4Residential construction: Emerging construction products, i.e., T-studs, etc.

 4Energy efficient homes, specific to insulation and impact on fire performance.

 4Net Zero homes

 4The evaluation of the applicability of current Test Standards, i.e., NFPA 285,

ASTM E119, NFPA 13R, etc.

 4Automated Storage Systems

 4Plastic building materials

4USFA initiate efforts to meet with the developers of the model codes to promote

fire service participation and to reduce barriers for participation.

4USFA engage with NIST to identify testing and research needs of the fire service

and define steps on how to move forward.

4U.S. Fire Administrator appoint a Commission or Ad Hoc Committee to develop

recommendations for USFA to meet the intent of Section 12 of the Fire Prevention

and Control Act to review, identify, and recommend processes, that may allow the

Administrator to utilize the authority to review, evaluate, and suggest improvement

in State and local fire prevention codes, building codes, and any relevant Federal or

private codes and regulations. This Commission shall consider resources internally

or externally available and/or additional funding requirements to meet the intent

of the Act specific to Section 12. To potentially counter the efforts at State

governments to evaluate code changes based on cost, the Fire Administrator, or

designee, shall consider the human impact of code requirements, standards, or

provisions in terms of comfort and habitability for residents or employees, as well

as the fire prevention and control value or potential of each such requirement,

standard or provision.

4Coordinate with other research partners to develop a research agenda to test

broader theories in building codes for life safety cost/benefit.

4Encourage federally funded housing fire and life safety initiatives to implement

current law and add fire sprinklers.

28 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control | #FireServiceOneVoice 
Workgroup Summary 

Whole-of-Government Approach

Overarching Goal:

Employ a proactive and fully resourced whole-of-government approach, with

significant involvement by the fire service, to address threats — including fire — to

the health and safety of our nation’s population. 

Issue:

The fire service must be included in federal policy development when federal

agencies develop policies and programs related to public safety, such as first

responder mental health, building and fire codes, and the five mission areas of the

National Preparedness Goal (prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and

recovery).

In 2011, fire departments responded to just over 30 million calls; in 2021, fire

departments ran more than 36 million calls per year — a 22% increase. These calls

are not just for structural fire, but wildfire and other natural disasters; emergency

medical response, mutual aid, hazardous materials response, water rescue, active

shooter and hostile events, and much more.

The National Fire Protection Association estimates the total cost of fire in the United

States (the collective of all net expenditure on fire protection and all net losses due to

fire incidents) in 2014 was $328.5 billion, which was 1.9% of the U.S. Gross Domestic

Product (GDP). Losses that year were $55.4 billion.

Between 2012 and 2021, 35,995 people in the United States died from fire.

The August 2023 Maui fire was the deadliest in modern history and early estimates

indicate rebuilding could cost over $5.5 billion with the overall economic toll

estimated as high as $16 billion. 

Beyond whole-of-government reactive responses to fire and other disasters, America

also needs a proactive, resourced whole-of-government approach to our nation’s fire

problem. The most effective way to achieve this goal is through the United States

Fire Administration (USFA), the lead federal agency, which represents over one

million firefighters and emergency services personnel who serve a most vital role in

protecting our communities from fire and other threats. 

Nearly every department and agency in the federal government touches upon fire

and emergency services. These departments have a responsibility to engage with

fire service stakeholders — inside and outside of the federal government — when

developing policies and procedures impacting fire and life safety. Despite the fire

service’s significant footprint within these departments’ missions, there is a lack of

coordination and cohesive policy development among these agencies.

A whole-of-government approach to fire could best be achieved by USFA

coordinating these policies and ensuring that the fire service stakeholders can

effectively operate at the national level. The United States needs a multidisciplinary

response, preparedness, and mitigation fire agency with USFA elevated within FEMA

Workgroup Report | October 2022 – August 2023 29
and the Department of Homeland Security. The USFA must be fully funded and

appropriately staffed in order to execute its mission. As many response agencies

already have, each FEMA region should have a dedicated USFA specialist to assist in

the planning and response to disasters. 

Protecting our nation from fire and other threats to our citizens cannot be

addressed in silos, it must be addressed holistically and proactively.

Recommendations:

United States Fire Administration

4Need to develop an awareness campaign within the federal government and for

the public of the United States Fire Administration.

Background: There is a lack of awareness about the United States Fire

Administration. The United States Fire Administration was authorized as the

National Fire Prevention and Control Administration by the Fire Prevention and

Control Act of 1974. Domiciled initially in the U.S. Department of Commerce, the

agency had its name changed in 1978 and one year later was relocated to the newly

formed Federal Emergency Management Agency in 1979. In 2002, Congress

relocated USFA to the newly formed U.S. Department of Homeland Security when it

approved legislation establishing the agency. 

USFA represents over one million firefighters and emergency services personnel. Its

leadership team possesses a broad range of experience and backgrounds in disaster

response. Further, the training it provides to members of the fire and emergency

services through the National Fire Academy increases our nation’s capabilities to

respond to all disasters that threaten our homeland. Despite the importance of

USFA’s mission to the security of our country, the agency and its leaders have been

underutilized at the federal policy level since its inception. The United States Fire

Administration deserves proper stature at the federal level because of its mission

and the critical roles performed by its one million constituents in protecting our

homeland.

USFA also needs to exert more effort in educating the public about its mission and

the all-hazards role of our nation’s fire and emergency services. Each day, the public

witnesses fire apparatus and EMS vehicles responding to emergency calls.

Nevertheless, they lack an understanding of the staffing, training, and equipment

needed to respond to approximately 37 million emergency calls each year, and the

costs associated with maintaining a fire department. 

Research

4USFA should host a publicly accessible repository of fire prevention and safety

research, including research funded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant

(AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants

focused on firefighter health and safety, fire prevention and life safety, and

recruitment and retention. 

Background: The Federal Emergency Management Agency released a report in

December 2022 titled “Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program Research

and Development (R&D) Activity: Project Abstracts.” The beginning of the report

provides general information about the grant program, including the number of

30 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control | #FireServiceOneVoice 
research projects funded from FY05 through FY21 (137) and the aggregate amount of

grant funding awarded ($140,635,997). The report then provides abstracts of all the

research projects, including potential outcomes stated by the applicants. At the time

of publication, 31 of the 137 projects were active, while 106 were designated as

closed. A repository that includes the results of this research with links to published

papers would be of great value to the federal government, the fire and emergency

services, and the general public.

The same applies to Fire Prevention and Safety grants: The FEMA grants office or the

United States Fire Administration should develop a repository of fire prevention and

safety programs funded with AFG grants. By creating such a repository, USFA can

facilitate the dissemination of essential safety programs, fostering advancements in

prevention programs and potentially reducing the number of deaths and injuries

caused by fire. 

4Proposal for an interagency committee chaired by the U.S. Fire Administrator, to

enhance coordination of federal fire programs within various federal agencies.

Background: There are different interagency committees in the federal government

that focus on specific issues. There are interagency committees for the wildlandurban interface, EMS, and environmental changes in public safety. Nevertheless, no

committee provides coordination and cohesion for the broad spectrum of federal

fire programs among the various federal agencies. 

The report presented at the 2022 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention

and Control showed a list of federal agencies overseeing federal fire programs.

These programs impact all aspects of fire and emergency responses. An interagency

committee that can facilitate communications among the various agencies

administering federal fire programs would strengthen the federal government’s role

in supporting local first responders and create greater efficiencies in allocating

federal resources to local first responders.

Federal Emergency Management Agency

4The U.S. Fire Administrator, who holds the position of senior advisor to the FEMA

Administrator, must be treated accordingly. Inclusion in policy discussions and predisaster and disaster-response meetings with the FEMA Administrator and other

senior advisors is vital.

Background: “FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.”

That is the first line of its mission statement. At the local level, firefighters and

emergency services personnel primarily perform this mission. Therefore, the FEMA

Administrator should engage the U.S. Fire Administrator in the highest-level

discussions on policy matters and pre- and post-disaster response meetings. 

4USFA should have a senior staff member assigned to each FEMA regional office to

serve as USFA’s liaison with state and local fire agencies to facilitate the delivery of

federal programs and resources that support the mission of state and local fire

agencies.

Background: The Federal Emergency Management Agency has ten regional offices

in different parts of the country, supporting state and local communities with preWorkgroup Report | October 2022 – August 2023 31
disaster planning and post-disaster recovery. They link local and state emergency

operations and FEMA’s headquarters, facilitating communications between FEMA

leadership and local and state emergency response operations. USFA should have a

senior staff member assigned to each regional office, working directly with local fire

and emergency response agencies to ensure that these agencies receive the federal

resources needed to respond to large-scale disasters. 

4The United States Fire Administrator should accompany the FEMA Administrator

whenever the Administrator travels to disaster areas that require the deployment

of firefighters and emergency services personnel in the response efforts.

Background: Quite often, when a large-scale disaster strikes a community, a highranking Administration official is dispatched to the scene to send a message to the

public about the Administration’s commitment to the recovery efforts. During their

visits, they meet with local and state officials and conduct interviews with local media

to discuss the federal government’s role in the recovery efforts. 

The U.S. Fire Administrator should accompany the FEMA Administrator whenever the

latter travels to communities devastated by disasters, especially when firefighters

and emergency response personnel are extensively involved in the rescue and

recovery efforts. With access to resources and USFA personnel trained in recovering

operations and incident command, the Fire Administrator can serve an essential

function in recovery operations while offering support and technical information to

the FEMA Administrator during meetings and media interviews.

Department of Homeland Security

4Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): Need better coordination

between the agency and USFA on critical infrastructure programs and cyber and

data security for fire departments and EMS agencies.

Background: The fire and emergency service falls under the Emergency Services

Sector (Emergency Services Sector | Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security

Agency CISA), one of the 16 areas of critical infrastructure covered by the

Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency.

CISA focuses on cybersecurity and also public safety communications interoperability

through SAFECOM (SAFECOM | CISA). Fire departments continue to work to improve

communications and interoperability and are at risk of cyber attacks. USFA should

strive to develop a closer relationship with CISA to develop training and alert systems

to help fire and EMS departments prepare for 21st Century threats.

4Science and Technology Directorate: The Directorate should maintain its

commitment to disseminating information to the fire service regarding new

research and technologies that benefit the firefighters and emergency services

personnel. 

Background: The mission of the Science and Technology Directorate is to “enable

effective, efficient, and secure operations across all homeland security missions by

applying scientific, engineering, analytic, and innovative approaches to deliver timely

solutions and support departmental acquisitions.” The operative work for the fire

and emergency services is “timely.” With emerging threats placing greater

responsibilities on local fire departments to protect their communities, it is

imperative that the Department of Homeland Security, through the Science and

32 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control | #FireServiceOneVoice 
Technology Directorate, continue its commitment to disseminate research and

information on new technologies to the fire service on a “timely” basis.

Department of Agriculture

4ESF-4 Emergency Support Function (ESF) #4 — The national fire organizations

support USFA’s initiative to explore how USFA can assume a more significant role in

ESF-4.

Background: Emergency Support Functions are part of the National Response

Framework which outlines how the nation responds to all types of disasters and

emergencies. ESF-4 addresses coordinating firefighting activities and providing

personnel, equipment, and supplies in support of local, state, tribal, territorial, and

insular area agencies involved in wildland, rural, and urban firefighting operations.

The United States Forest Service is the lead federal agency for implementing ESF-4.

For many years, USFA has expressed reasons why USFA should assume a more

prominent role in ESF-4, primarily for fires in which structural firefighting crews are

deployed. On May 1, 2023, USFA Administrator Moore-Merrell conducted a meeting

to discuss USFA’s role in ESF-4. Representatives for local, state, and national fire

organizations attended, as did FEMA and the U.S. Forest Service representatives. Fire

representatives agreed that USFA should assume a more significant role, citing

USFA’s understanding and experience with mutual aid and interstate agreements.

4The United States Forest Service and the United States Fire Administration need to

increase collaboration in providing information to the fire and emergency services

about the Federal Excess Personal Property Program (FEPP) and the Firefighter

Property Program (FPP).

Background: FEPP and FPP can provide fire departments with specific types of

excess federal equipment and resources. It includes vehicles (pick-up trucks, sports

utility vehicles, 21⁄2 ton trucks), fire trucks, generators, trailers, hoses, nozzles, pumps,

air compressors, and other equipment used by fire departments. Even though the

U.S. Forest Service is the lead federal agency administering both programs, the U.S.

Fire Administration should assume a facilitating role to make fire departments aware

of both programs. 

Department of Commerce

4The United States Fire Administration and the National Institute of Standards and

Technology (NIST) need to continue their collaboration in developing and

implementing a research agenda and distributing research findings to the fire and

emergency services. Furthermore, the two agencies need to continue pursuing

opportunities with the research community to leverage resources and share data,

which will have a far-reaching impact on advancing the field of fire research in our

nation. 

Background: On November 5, 1997, representatives of the U.S. Fire Administration

and the National Institute of Standards and Technology signed a Memorandum of

Understanding. The purpose of the MOU was to improve and enhance the

effectiveness of the cooperation between USFA and NIST in establishing research

priorities, conducting the research, and sharing information about the research

between the two agencies and the fire safety community. Twenty-five years later, on

July 17, 2023, the two agencies reaffirmed their commitment to work together by

signing another MOU. 

Workgroup Report | October 2022 – August 2023 33
Since 1997, the research community has assumed a more significant role in

establishing the research agenda and performing the research. The shift can partly

be attributed to the authorization of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program in

2000, which created a grant program for fire research. Since then, the grant program

has awarded over $140 million in federal grants to universities and research facilities

for conducting research on firefighter health and safety. Separate from the AFG

program, research facilities, such as UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute and the

National Development Research Institutes’ affiliate, NDRI-USA, Inc., have been

conducting research of their own, looking for solutions to existing fire safety threats

with considerable success. And to their credit, UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute has

sponsored the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s initiative to develop a

national fire research agenda. NFFF has now published the 4th edition of its

research agenda. As two leading federal agencies for fire research, both USFA and

NIST should assume a more active role in this initiative.

Department of Defense

4The Department of Defense needs to address the issue of civilian firefighters

employed at military installations not being reimbursed for travel costs to attend

National Fire Academy classes or backfill stations.

Background: Currently, military installations will not cover travel costs for civilian

firefighters to attend classes at the National Fire Academy, nor will they cover costs

to backfill their stations when these firefighters attend classes. 

4The Department of Defense needs to establish a formal dialogue with the United

States Fire Administration to explore opportunities for technology transfers and

surplus property transfers that can benefit the fire and emergency services.

Background: The Department of Defense, through the five branches’ various

research and training centers and the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency

(DARPA), among other offices, conducts extensive research to develop new

technologies and training for our nation’s military. This includes technologies that

can track personnel movement and weather patterns, enhance communications at

disaster scenes, detect chemical agents, and optimize resource deployment. This

same technology can find applications in the fire service, giving firefighters nextgeneration equipment that will enable them to perform their work safely. First,

however, the Department of Defense and the U.S. Fire Administration must lay the

groundwork for a dialogue to initiate discussions on Department of Defense

technologies that can benefit our nation’s fire and emergency services. 

4The Department of Defense should partner with USFA to ensure that active-duty

military personnel who separate from military service are aware of opportunities in

the fire and emergency services and that such career changes can be facilitated as

seamlessly as possible — including waivers for transferable skills and certifications. 

Background: Military veterans possess several skills and attributes that make them

highly qualified to be firefighters and EMS providers. To help our veterans transition

from military careers, the Department of Defense and USFA should develop either a

marketing campaign or program that makes veterans aware of opportunities in the

fire service. Furthermore, the two agencies should develop a review process to waive

course requirements for Firefighter 1 certification based on specific skills acquired

34 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control | #FireServiceOneVoice 
during military service as well as ensure military-trained EMS personnel are eligible

to obtain National Registry certification. 

Department of Education

4The United States Fire Administration and the Department of Education need to

increase collaboration in tracking and releasing data on incidents involving on- and

off-campus student housing fires and carbon monoxide incidents.

Background: Both USFA and the Department of Education provide information and

statistical data about fires on college campuses on their respective websites. USFA’s

information focuses primarily on fire prevention, whereas the Department of

Education, by law, must compile annual reports of crimes and fires on college

campuses using information submitted by colleges and universities. 

Fire on college campuses is no longer the threat it once was due to smoke detector

and sprinkler requirements in on-campus housing and classrooms; however, the

threat of fire remains serious in off-campus housing. The challenge for public safety

is determining just how great a threat it is. There is no reporting system for offcampus housing fires, and this problem needs to be addressed if we are to

understand the true threat of fire on college campuses. In addition, we need to

develop fire safety programs for colleges and local fire departments aimed at offcampus housing, using the synergy of the United States Fire Administration and

Department of Education to carry out this initiative. 

4Any action taken by the Administration or Congress to forgive student loans must

include loan forgiveness for students employed or volunteering in public service,

including the fire and emergency services.

Background: If the Biden Administration continues to pursue student loan

forgiveness following the Supreme Court ruling, forgiveness should apply to loans

held by individuals in public service, including fire and emergency services.

Department of Health and Human Services

4USFA must assume a more substantial role in the decision-making process for

releasing all COVID and future pandemic- and disaster-related resources from the

Strategic National Stockpile. 

Background: During the pandemic, the national fire organizations worked together

to communicate the needs of the fire services to minimize the health and safety risks

of COVID-19 to our nation’s firefighters and emergency services personnel. They

deserved priority access to pandemic-related resources from the national stockpile

because they worked on the front lines treating COVID-19 patients, but they did not

always receive it. USFA needs to assert itself more in future discussions and

implementation of federal policy regarding pandemic response to ensure that our

firefighters have a stronger voice at the federal level and acquire the resources they

need to protect themselves when the next pandemic strikes. 

4With the passage of the Empowering the United States Fire Administration Act (PL

117-246), the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and

USFA will need to coordinate efforts to investigate large-scale fires and develop

reports of their joint findings. 

Workgroup Report | October 2022 – August 2023 35
Background: PL 117-246 states the U.S. Fire Administrator is authorized to “send

incident investigators, which may include safety specialists, fire protection engineers,

codes and standards experts, researchers, and fire training specialists, to the site of

the fire to conduct a fire safety investigation...” The law requires the Administrator to

work in cooperation with other federal agencies that also have investigative

authority. Although the law does not cite specific agencies, the National Institute of

Occupational Safety and Health and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and

Explosives are two agencies that have such authority. USFA will need to work with

these agencies and other agencies with similar investigative authority to ensure that

they collaborate and avoid actions that may impede and negatively impact ongoing

investigations.

4There is a sense among the national fire organizations that the Centers for

Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) does not grasp the full operations of the

emergency medical services system; therefore, USFA and CMS should formalize

lines of communication between the two agencies to enhance the latter’s

understanding of the fire-service based EMS system in the continuum of

emergency medical care.

Background: CMS continues to deny reimbursement to EMS agencies unless the

patient is transported to a hospital. This failure to recognize the ability of EMS

personnel to either treat patients on scene or transport them to alternative

destinations of care forces fire departments to perform increasingly high amounts of

unreimbursed care. Reimbursing EMS as a form of patient care, rather than simply a

mode of transportation to a hospital, would allow fire departments to care for lowacuity patients in a more appropriate and economical manner. The Department of

Health and Human Services (HHS) as a whole should also give greater consideration

to how EMS agencies, and specifically fire-based EMS agencies, are included in preemergency planning through the Assistant to the Secretary for Preparedness and

Response as well as all other HHS entities. HHS recognition of the fact that fire

departments are EMS agencies, and thus critical components of the overall

healthcare system, is an essential component to improving both the day-to-day

healthcare system as well as large-scale emergency plans.

4Emergency Support Function 8 (Public Health and Medical Services Annex): ESF-8

“provides the mechanism for coordinated Federal assistance to supplement state,

tribal, and local resources in response to a public health and medical disaster,

potential or actual incidents requiring a coordinated Federal response, and/or

during a developing potential health and medical emergency.” While FEMA

assumes the primary role within DHS to provide support in distributing medical

supplies and transporting patients requiring medical aid, ESF-8 does not mention

USFA. Yet, at the federal level, USFA represents the most extensive emergency

medical delivery system: fire service-based EMS. ESF-8 needs to establish a role for

USFA in coordinating and dispatching fire service-based EMS services.

Background: In 2007, the Fire Service-Based EMS Advocates released a report titled

“PREHOSPITAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONSE: The Role of the United States Fire

Service in Delivery and Response.” Five national fire organizations formed the

foundation of the Advocates: the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI),

International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), International Association of Fire

Chiefs (IAFC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and National Volunteer Fire

36 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control | #FireServiceOneVoice 

PHOTO

TO

COME
Council (NVFC). Summarizing the role of the fire service in delivering emergency

medical care, the abstract stated: 

Prehospital 9-1-1 emergency response is one of the essential public safety functions

provided by the United States fire service in support of community health, security,

and prosperity. Fire service-based emergency medical services (EMS) systems are

strategically positioned to deliver time-critical response and effective patient care.

Fire service-based EMS provides this pivotal public safety service while also

emphasizing responder safety, competent and compassionate workers, and costeffective operations. As the federal, state, and local governments consider their

strategic plans for an ‘all hazards’ emergency response system, EMS should be

included in those considerations and decision-makers should recognize that the U.S.

fire service is the most ideal prehospital 9-1-1 emergency response agency. 

The abstract offers a compelling reason why USFA ESF-8 should clarify a role for

USFA in the coordination and dispatch of fire service-based EMS services: the entity

that USFA represents at the federal level — the American fire and emergency

services — is the largest provider of emergency medical services in the nation and

the first agency to respond to public health and medical disasters. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development

4The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and USFA need to

increase their communication and collaboration to address fire and life safety in

federally funded and insured housing.

Background: In 2022, two fires in federally-funded housing properties claimed the

lives of 29 victims, raising public concern about the existential threat of fire in public

housing across the nation. These two fires prompted USFA to conduct a whistle-stop

tour with national media events in New York City and Philadelphia to raise greater

awareness about the threat of fire in public housing.

As the administrator of federal housing programs in this country, the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development has primary responsibility at the

federal level to oversee compliance with fire codes in federally funded housing

properties; however, there is no reason why the United States Fire Administration

cannot serve an important safety role, offering support with technical guidance,

public safety education programs, fire data, and information about detection and

suppression systems. 

Department of Justice

4The U.S. Fire Administrator should have a more significant role in the Public Safety

Medal of Valor Program, including the annual awards presentation at the White

House.

Background: The Public Safety Medal of Valor Program is the highest national

award for valor presented to a public safety officer - firefighters, law enforcement

officers, and emergency medical services. Awarded by the President of the United

States, in the name of Congress, the Medal of Valor is presented to officers who have

shown extraordinary valor beyond the call of duty. Despite being the nation’s

highest-ranking fire service official, the U.S. Fire Administrator plays little to no role in

the annual ceremony. This is a disservice to the members of the fire service who are

honored every year with this prestigious award. 

Workgroup Report | October 2022 – August 2023 37
4Establish a cooperative agreement between USFA and the Bureau of Justice

Assistance to share information about firefighter deaths and injuries.

Background: Both the United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the Bureau of

Justice Assistance (BJA) track firefighter line-of-duty deaths. Nevertheless, there is no

formal interagency agreement to share information about line-of-duty deaths and

injuries or the circumstances surrounding those incidents. A formal data-sharing

agreement would help USFA and BJA identify causes of line-of-duty deaths and

injuries, allowing the agencies to better determine best practices to avoid future

deaths and injuries. A formal agreement will also enhance the review process for

determining eligibility for being honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. 

Department of the Treasury

4Needs to partner with USFA to inform businesses of tax incentives that support fire

sprinkler retrofits.

Background: In 2018, Congress approved the Tax Cut and Jobs Act. The legislation

included key provisions of the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act, which was first introduced

in 2003 and would provide economic incentives to retrofit commercial properties

with automatic fire sprinklers. National fire organizations developed the idea of the

legislation following the Station Club fire in West Warwick, RI that claimed the lives of

100 victims. 

There is plenty of data that demonstrates the efficacy of automatic fire sprinklers.

Yet, there are a plethora of commercial properties across the country that lack

sprinkler systems to protect against fires. The incentives are straightforward and

financially beneficial. Working together, USFA and the Department of Treasury

should develop an awareness campaign to alert eligible businesses about the

incentive, which will save lives and property.

4Needs to partner with USFA to ensure fire and emergency services are aware of

tax/retirement incentives for fire and EMS personnel (e.g., Volunteer Responder

Incentive Protection Act).

Background: Smaller communities nationwide served by volunteer fire

departments face a growing risk to their residents due to a shortage of volunteer

personnel. There were just 676,900 volunteers in the U.S. in 2020, compared to

897,750 in 1984. Not only are there fewer volunteers, but the average age of

volunteer firefighters continues to rise. According to NFPA, more than one-third of

volunteers in small communities were over the age of 50 in 2020; in 1987, only 15.9%

were. 

To address this challenge at the federal level, Congress approved legislation that

provides tax incentives for volunteer fire and EMS personnel, however (like the fire

sprinkler incentive), there needs to be more awareness about the volunteer

incentive. Utilizing their respective resources, USFA and the Department of Treasury

should work together to promote the incentive to help the volunteer fire service with

recruitment and retention campaigns. 

38 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control | #FireServiceOneVoice 
Department of Veterans Affairs

4The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) should partner with USFA and the five

military branches to ensure veterans are aware of fire and emergency services

opportunities. 

White House

4Specifically, USFA should have a representative actively engaged with many of the

offices/councils under the Executive Office of the President, including (but not

limited to):

 4National Economic Council

 4National Security Council

 4Climate Policy Office

 4Office of Science and Technology Policy

 4Office of the National Cyber Director

 4National Space Council

Background: The roles and actions of firefighters and emergency services

personnel are of consequential significance to our nation’s economy, environment,

and security. Nevertheless, policy offices within the White House have a history of

not engaging the U.S. Fire Administrator in the discussions at the highest levels on

policy proposals. It is in the best interest of an Administration — and our nation’s

economic security and safety — to engage the U.S. Fire Administrator in such policy

discussions.

4Participation in the annual National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial

Weekend that honors firefighters killed in the line of duty should be a high priority

for the President and Vice President.

Background: Since the first National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony in 1981,

only two Presidents have attended — President George W. Bush in 2002 and 2007,

and President Barack Obama in 2015 — and no Vice President has.

Workgroup Report | October 2022 – August 2023 39

Appendix: 

Summit Workgroups

Workgroup 1

Impact of Climate Change

Workgroup Report | October 2022 – August 2023 41

Bold indicates group lead(s)

Nicole LaRosa

Advisor to the U.S. Fire Administrator

U.S. Fire Administration

Lester Rich

Deputy Superintendent

National Fire Academy

Michele Steinberg

Wildfire Division Director

National Fire Protection Association

Derek Alkonis

Research Program Manager

UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute

Chief Donna Black 

International Association of Fire Chiefs

Duck Fire Department (NC) Wildfire

Michaela Campbell

Director of Government Affairs

Congressional Fire Services Institute

Karl Fippinger

Vice President, Fire and Disaster Mitigation

International Code Council

Tom Harbour

Advisory Committee

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Ken LaSala 

Director of Government Relations and Policy

International Association of Fire Chiefs

Eric Litzenberg

Consultant and Advocate

Liderazgo Consulting, LLC

Kevin O’Connor 

Assistant to the General President for

Governmental Affairs, Public Policy, and 

Political Action 

International Association of Fire Fighters

Julie Olsen 

Member 

North American Fire Training Directors

Lisa Pine

Board Secretary

North American Fire Training Directors

Mike Pritchard 

Branch Chief for Prevention and Special

Operations

U.S. Fire Administration

Rick Swan 

Director, Health and Safety Operational Services

International Association of Fire Fighters

Derek Urwin

Director of Science and Research

International Association of Fire Fighters

Ryan Woodward

Chief of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs 

National Volunteer Fire Council
Workgroup 2

Recruitment and Retention

42 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control | #FireServiceOneVoice 

Eriks Gabliks

Superintendent 

National Fire Academy

Michaela Campbell

Director of Government Affairs

Congressional Fire Services Institute

 

Michael Desrochers

President

National Association of State Fire Marshals

Karl Fippinger

Vice President, Fire and Disaster Mitigation

International Code Council

Brita Horn

Chief 

Rock Creek Volunteer Fire Department

Steve Kerber, PhD

Vice President and Executive Director

UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute

Ken LaSala 

Director of Government Relations and Policy

International Association of Fire Chiefs

Sarah Lee

Chief Executive Officer

National Volunteer Fire Council

Shaughn Maxwell, PsyM

Board Member

International Association of Fire Chiefs

Pat Morrison

Assistant to the General President for

Occupational Health, Safety and Medicine

International Association of Fire Fighters

Kevin O’Connor 

Assistant to the General President for

Governmental Affairs, Public Policy, and

Political Action 

International Association of Fire Fighters

Shane Ray

President 

National Fire Sprinkler Association

Ryan Woodward 

Chief of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs

National Volunteer Fire Council

Khalilah Yancey

Secretary/Treasurer 

Women in Fire

Angela White 

President

North American Fire Training Directors

Brad Wardle 

Utah Fire & Rescue Academy

North American Fire Training Directors
Workgroup 3

Firefighter Cancer 

Workgroup Report | October 2022 – August 2023 43

Richard Patrick 

Director, National Fire and EMS Division 

U.S. Fire Administration

John Tippett 

Director of Fire Programs

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Jeff Burgess MD, MS, MPH

Professor, Community, Environment & Policy

Department

University of Arizona

Michaela Campbell

Director of Government Affairs

Congressional Fire Services Institute

Sean Carroll 

Director of Government Relations

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Kenny Fent 

Researcher

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Bryan Frieders 

CEO/President

Firefighter Cancer Support Network

Billy Goldfeder 

At-Large Director; Safety, Health and Survival Section

International Association of Fire Chiefs

Emily Haas, Ph.D 

Senior Behavioral Research Scientist

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Ashley Haines 

Staff

U. S. Fire Administration

Sarah Jahnke, Ph.D 

Chief Operating Officer and Senior Scientist

National Development & Research Institute

Ken LaSala 

Director of Government Relations and Policy 

International Association of Fire Chiefs

Frank Leeb 

Deputy Assistant Chief 

Fire Department of New York

Farzaneh Masoud PhD

Director of Research

Illinois Fire Service Institute

Neil McMillan

Director of Science and Research

International Association of Fire Fighters

Brian McQueen

National Volunteer Fire Council

Susan Moore

Associate Director for Science

National Institute for Occupational 

Safety and Health

Patrick Morrison

Assistant to the General President for 

Occupational Health, Safety and Medicine

International Association of Fire Fighters

John Oates

CEO 

International Public Safety Data Institute

Kevin O’Connor 

Assistant to the General President for 

Governmental Affairs, Public Policy, and 

Political Action 

International Association of Fire Fighters

Jeff Pauley 

Chairman, Health & Safety Committee

International Association of Arson Investigators

Josh Southerland 

Advocate

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Seth Statler 

Director of Government Affairs

National Fire Protection Association

Derek Urwin 

Director of Science and Research

International Association of Fire Fighters

Eric Valliere 

Chair

Fire Department Safety Officers

Dan Whu 

Chief Medical Officer 

International Association of Fire Fighters

Ryan Woodward 

Chief of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs

National Volunteer Fire Council
Workgroup 4

Mental Health and Well-Being

 

 

44 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control | #FireServiceOneVoice 

Tonya Hoover 

Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator

U.S. Fire Administration

Victor Stagnaro 

Chief Executive Officer

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Michaela Campbell

Director of Government Affairs

Congressional Fire Services Institute

Sean Carroll 

Director of Government Relations

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Anna Courie, DNP, RN, PHNA, BC

Director, Responder Wellness

FirstNet

Susie Day MS, PhD 

Clinical Research Specialist

Contractor to the Department of Homeland

Security 

Emily Haas, Ph.D 

Research Health Scientist

National Institute for Occupational Safety and

Health

Sarah Jahnke, Ph.D 

Chief Operating Officer and Senior Scientist

National Development & Research Institute

Michael Johnson 

Eastern Director

Fire Department Safety Officers Association

 

Lauren Kosc, LCPC 

Behavioral Health Specialist

International Association of Fire Fighters

 

Ken LaSala 

Director of Government Relations and Policy

International Association of Fire Chiefs

Sarah Lee

Chief Executive Officer

National Volunteer Fire Council

 

Melanie McDowell 

Administrative Research Assistant

National Development & Research Institute

Pat Morrison

Assistant to the General President for

Occupational Health, Safety and Medicine

International Association of Fire Fighters

 

Kathleen Navarro

Wildland Firefighter Health and Wellbeing Program

Coordinator

U.S. Department of the Interior

 

John Oates

CEO 

International Public Safety Data Institute

 

Robert Timko

Board Member

National Volunteer Fire Council

 

Matt Tobia 

Chairman, Safety, Health and Survival Section

International Association of Fire Chiefs
Workgroup 5

Codes and Standards

Workgroup Report | October 2022 – August 2023 45

Michael Pritchard 

Chief, Prevention and Special 

Operations Branch 

U.S. Fire Administration

Shane Ray

President 

National Fire Sprinkler Association

Chief Donna Black 

International Association of Fire Chiefs

Duck Fire Department (NC) Wildfire

Keith Brower 

Special Projects Consultant

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Michaela Campbell

Director of Government Affairs

Congressional Fire Services Institute

 

Sean Carroll 

Director of Government Relations

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Evan Davis 

Director of Government Affairs

International Association of Fire Fighters

 

Sean DeCrane 

Director, Health and Safety Operational Services

International Association of Fire Fighters

Michael Desrochers

President

National Association of State Fire Marshals

Karl Fippinger

Vice President, Fire and Disaster Mitigation

International Code Council

Steve Kerber, PhD

Vice President and Executive Director

UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute

 

Roger Krupp 

Advocacy Committee Chair

International Association of Arson

Investigators

Ken LaSala 

Director of Government Relations and Policy

International Association of Fire Chiefs

 

Michael O’Brian

Director, Fire and Life Safety Section

International Association of Fire Chiefs

Kevin O’Connor 

Assistant to the General President for

Governmental Affairs, Public Policy, and

Political Action 

International Association of Fire Fighters

 

Vickie Pritchett 

Vice President, Advocacy and Outreach

National Fire Sprinkler Association 

 

Denise Smith 

Professor of Exercise Science

Skidmore College

 

Seth Statler 

Director of Government Affairs

National Fire Protection Association

Rick Swan 

Director of Health and Safety Operational

Services

International Association of Fire Fighters

 

Ryan Woodward 

Chief of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs

National Volunteer Fire Council
Workgroup 6

Whole-of-Government Approach

 

 

 

46 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control | #FireServiceOneVoice 

Bill Webb 

Executive Director 

Congressional Fire Services Institute

Ron Siarnicki 

Executive Director

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Chief Donna Black 

International Association of Fire Chiefs

Duck Fire Department (NC) Wildfire

 

Michaela Campbell

Director of Government Affairs

Congressional Fire Services Institute

Sean Carroll 

Director of Government Relations

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

 

Evan Davis 

Director of Government Affairs

International Association of Fire Fighters

Ken LaSala 

Director of Government Relations and Policy

International Association of Fire Chiefs

Kevin O’Connor 

Assistant to the General President for

Governmental Affairs, Public Policy, and Political

Action 

International Association of Fire Fighters

 

Seth Statler 

Director of Government Affairs

National Fire Protection Association

 

Ryan Woodward 

Chief of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs

National Volunteer Fire Council

#FireServiceOneVoice

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