Lavender Ribbon Report Initiative Recognized with National Award

April 19, 2022

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) received the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award from the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation during the CFSI annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on April 7. The award, sponsored by State Farm Insurance and VFIS, recognized the NVFC and VCOS for their efforts to reduce cancer and exposure risks among volunteer firefighters through the Lavender Ribbon Report initiative.

Released in 2018, the Lavender Ribbon Report details 11 actions firefighters can take to reduce their exposure risks and prevent occupationally-caused cancer. The report and corresponding training educate the volunteer fire service on how to implement these actions and be an agent of change in their department. An update to the report was released in 2021 to keep cancer prevention and awareness at the forefront of the fire service.

The NVFC thanks all of the partners, supporters, and subject matter experts who helped make the Lavender Ribbon Report initiative a success. Access the Lavender Ribbon Report and Lavender Ribbon Report Update here.