The Center for Fire, Rescue, and EMS Health Research
Understanding and improving the health of first responders through systematic research and evaluation.
The mission of the Center for Fire, Rescue, and EMS Health Research (CFREHR) is to understand and improve the health of first responders through systematic research and evaluation. We have worked with and collected data from nearly 100 fire departments across the country and have successfully solicited participation from more than 2,000 individual firefighters. Departments range from large metro departments (e.g. the Fire Department of New York, Oakland Fire Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department) to small rural volunteer agencies.
We are regularly called upon for our expertise on the topic of firefighter health and wellness by organizations such as:
The International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Safety Health and Survival Section
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
The Everyone Goes Home Life Safety Initiatives
The Firefighter Cancer Support Network
The First Responder Center for Excellence
The National Volunteer Fire Council
The US Fire Administration.
We have worked for years to successfully develop a trusted relationship with the US fire service. Our Investigators serve as primary reviewers for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s research and development grants. Research conducted by CFREHR scientists has played an important role in developing existing health services and policy within the fire service and U.S. military.
The CFREHR Board of Advisors includes fire service leaders, from both labor and management, who are nationally recognized for their expertise in health and safety:
Chief Billy Goldfeder, Health and Safety representative for IAFC Board of Directors; leading expert on firefighter safety and health issues
Dr. JoEllen Kelly, retired Maryland firefighter in her hometown; head of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Everyone Goes Home Life Safety Initiatives
Mike Dubron, Los Angeles, CA-based Firefighter/Paramedic; founder and President of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network
Dr. Richard Gist, Assistant to the Fire Chief in Kansas City, MO; leading expert on firefighter mental health
Chief I. David Daniels, expert on diversity in the fire service.