Across the US, researchers, members of the U.S. fire service, and other stakeholders are working in close partnership to understand and prevent cancer and other occupational diseases in first responders.
The U.S. government is a vital part of this effort, with many programs that support and contribute to understanding and protecting the health and safety of our first responders.
However, many of these programs, as well as the scientists and staff who work in them, are currently at risk of significant and operationally threatening cuts or elimination by the Trump administration.
Some of these threats are outlined in “An Open Letter to Support First Responders and the Science that Protects Them,” signed by more than 100 firefighters, researchers, and stakeholders across the nation.
click to view and download
This letter was written and signed to be used.
Please:
1. Download and share this letter with policymakers - your federal and state representatives. You can do this in person or through your congressperson's website (see links below).
Ask that they support:
The immediate reinstatement of fired federal employees involved in responder research and first responder safety and health
Unfreeze the funding of fire service-related and research grants/contracts.
Restart the vital training classes at the Emmitsburg's National Fire Academy (note that this has occurred since the letter was written)
2. Stay aware of ongoing threats to the fire service and research that helps keep our first responders safe. We will periodically update this webpage.
3. Share this with other fire service members and researchers.