The Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE) has been officially recognized as a National Firefighter Registry (NFR) Champion, an honor that highlights MnFIRE’s strong commitment to supporting firefighter health and advancing critical cancer research.
This recognition comes from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Firefighter Registry for Cancer, which works to better understand and reduce cancer risks in the fire service. As an NFR Champion, MnFIRE is being celebrated for its ongoing efforts to encourage firefighter participation in the registry and raise awareness about the importance of cancer prevention.
The Champion designation reflects MnFIRE’s dedication to protecting those who protect our communities. Through education, advocacy and outreach, MnFIRE continues to be a leading voice for firefighter health and wellness, with a strong focus on addressing the disproportionate impact cancer has on the fire service.
MnFIRE is grateful for this recognition and remains committed to advocating for reducing firefighter cancer risk, supporting firefighters and their families, and driving awareness about the resources and research needed to keep firefighters healthy throughout their careers and into retirement.
Join the NFR for Cancer
Participation in the NFR is voluntary, free and open to all U.S. firefighters, with or without cancer, no matter their length of service. This includes:
- Active, former and retired firefighters
- Career, part-time, paid-on-call and volunteer firefighters
- Instructors
- Fire investigators
- Other fire service members
It’s important that all types of firefighters (structural, wildland and others) join the NFR. Get started in as few as five minutes, or complete the full registration by answering questions about your fire service history and exposures.
Become a Gold Helmet Department
The Gold Helmet Department program recognizes fire departments that are leading the way in firefighter cancer research and prevention. NIOSH awards this designation to departments that achieve enrollment of 50% of their active firefighters or more than 300 active members in the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer. Explore the Gold Helmet Departments page to learn more.
Learn more about cancer risk in the fire service
MnFIRE provides no-cost health and wellness training for all Minnesota fire departments through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program. In addition to the general MnFIRE Awareness class that gives an overview of firefighter occupational health risks, our deep-dive training on cancer focuses exclusively on cancer risks and prevention. Click here to register your department for this important training.
