The City of Roswell Fire Department has been nationally recognized for its pioneering efforts to enhance firefighter health and safety, earning the prestigious 2025 Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award. This esteemed honor, presented by the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), highlights innovative leadership in addressing critical challenges within the fire service. The award was presented on February 13, 2025, during the 35th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, DC.
The Roswell Fire Department received this recognition for its groundbreaking research on firefighter health, conducted in collaboration with leading experts. The study evaluates the impact of a 48/96 shift schedule and adjusted start times on firefighter performance, focusing on how improved sleep quality can reduce physical and mental health risks. The findings aim to provide valuable insights for fire departments nationwide.
“The Roswell Fire Department’s innovative approach to health and safety exemplifies our city’s commitment to excellence,” stated Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson. “This award celebrates their leadership and reinforces how much we value the brave men and women who serve our community. Roswell is proud to stand behind them every step of the way.”
The department’s research efforts were driven by the need to improve firefighter well-being through data-driven solutions. By adjusting shift start times and analyzing their effects on sleep quality and chronic health conditions, Roswell Fire Department is setting a new standard for fire service operations.
Fire Chief Joe Pennino, who accepted the award on behalf of the department, emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “This award reflects the incredible support of our Mayor and Council in prioritizing the health and safety of our first responders. We are always seeking innovative ways to equip our team with the tools, training, and resources they need to excel. This research project highlights our team’s commitment to firefighter well-being, and we are honored to be at the forefront of advancing firefighter health initiatives.”
The research was led by Dr. Joel Billings, Assistant Professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, whose work underscores Roswell Fire Department’s leadership in evidence-based decision-making. “It’s truly inspiring to see a fire department use research to drive positive change. Roswell’s decision to implement an adjusted shift start time based on our findings is groundbreaking, and their commitment to studying its impact demonstrates remarkable leadership. To my knowledge, this is the first fire department to implement such changes and systematically evaluate the effects on sleep and chronic health. Their efforts set a powerful precedent for improving firefighter well-being nationwide,” said Dr. Billings.
The Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award is co-sponsored by Volunteer Firemen’s Insurance Service Inc. (VFIS) and the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), which support and promote innovative health and safety practices in the fire service.ents noted above, the total investment in this park since 2023 is approximately $4.8 million.