FRCE Awarded 2023 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant

Crofton, MD – The First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE) is proud to announce its selection as a recipient of the prestigious 2023 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant (EMW-2023-FP-00627). The goal of the FP&S Program is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards by providing financial assistance for fire prevention programs and firefighter health and safety research and development. With this grant, FRCE will continue to elevate the health and wellness of firefighters, EMS personnel, and dispatchers through innovative training and education.

"FP&S funding is critical for the FRCE to deliver vital training programs that address the responder’s blind side—those health and safety risks that often go unnoticed," said Chief Frank Leeb, Managing Director of FRCE. "By translating the latest research into practical training, we provide first responders with actionable intelligence on topics such as cancer prevention, mental resilience, cardiovascular health, and sleep management. These are essential areas that are too often overlooked but can profoundly impact long-term health and performance."

With FP&S support, FRCE will launch several key initiatives in 2025:

1. Regional Health and Wellness Workshops Building on the success of the 2023 Health and Wellness Symposium, FRCE will host a series of one-day regional seminars tailored to the unique needs of firefighters, EMS personnel, and dispatchers. These workshops will feature expert keynote speakers, focused sessions on prevention strategies, and actionable resources to promote holistic health and wellness across the first responder community.
2. Stress First Aid Train-the-Trainer Courses To meet the growing demand for Stress First Aid (SFA) training, FRCE will expand its cadre of instructors nationwide. These sessions will equip trainers to deliver SFA courses that help first responders recognize and address stress reactions in themselves and their colleagues, mitigating the risk of long-term mental health issues.
3. Development of Online Resources in Key Health Areas FRCE will collaborate with subject matter experts to create evidence-based, interactive online modules on the following critical topics: Cardiovascular Disease Prevention; Behavioral Health; Sleep Management; Diabetes Prevention. These resources will empower first responders to adopt healthier lifestyles, manage stress, and improve their overall well-being.
4. Contamination Reduction Implementation Workshops Recognizing the ongoing concern about cancer in the fire service, FRCE will host contamination reduction workshops at key conferences. These sessions will provide firefighters with strategies for reducing incidences of cancer in firefighters. Participants will receive practical tools to implement these practices in their local departments.

"We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from the FP&S program, which allows us to deliver impactful training and resources to first responders nationwide," said Chief Leeb. "These initiatives align with the strategic goals set out by the U.S. Fire Administrator at the 2023 Summit, helping us move towards a more unified and prepared fire service community."

The FP&S-funded projects will serve as a "force multiplier," ensuring that FRCE remains at the forefront of first responder health and safety training, while fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience within fire and EMS organizations.

For more information about FRCE’s programs or upcoming workshops, please visit Firstrespondercenter.org or visit us on any of our social media channels.

About the First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE)

The FRCE is dedicated to promoting the health, wellness, and safety of first responders. Through education, research, and training, FRCE provides fire, EMS, and other emergency personnel with the tools they need to lead healthier, more resilient lives. Learn more at Firstrespondercenter.org

About the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program
The Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to reduce injury and prevent death among high-risk populations. Learn more at: https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters/safety-awards