MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The Hutchinson Fire Department has been recognized as a Gold Helmet Department for its strong participation in the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer, a nationwide effort aimed at better understanding and reducing cancer risk among firefighters.
Departments are eligible for Gold Helmet status if at least 50 percent of their active firefighters are enrolled in the registry, or if the department has more than 300 active firefighters signed up. Hutchinson Fire Department officials say the designation reflects a department-wide commitment to firefighter health and long-term safety.
The National Firefighter Registry for Cancer is the largest initiative ever undertaken to study cancer among U.S. firefighters. The registry is managed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which is recruiting current and former firefighters to help researchers better understand how cancer risk may vary across the nation’s diverse fire service.
Firefighters are routinely exposed to hazardous chemicals and carcinogens on the fireground, which can increase their risk of developing cancer over time. Despite growing awareness, many questions remain about how factors such as job role, length of service, types of incidents, and protective equipment affect cancer risk.
By enrolling a significant portion of its workforce, the Hutchinson Fire Department is contributing critical data that will help shape future prevention strategies, safety standards, and health protections for firefighters nationwide.
Department leaders say the Gold Helmet recognition underscores Hutchinson’s role as a leader in firefighter health advocacy and a willingness to take part in research that could benefit generations of firefighters to come.