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Understanding the U.S. Firefighter Fatality Problem in 2010
Track(s): Fire & Emergency Services, Research

Rita Fahy and Kenneth Willette, NFPA; Thomas Hales, NIOSH, CDC

Audio Sample:




Learn about the results of NFPA's 2010 firefighter fatality study along with two or three multi-year analyses of specific aspects of the firefighter fatality problem. Also included in this session will be a look at NIOSH's investigation of deaths related to cardiac issues. Specific topics will be chosen in cooperation with the Fire Service Section.

Rita F. Fahy is Manager of Fire Data Bases and Systems in the Fire Analysis and Research Division of the National Fire Protection Association. She is involved in statistical analysis and computer modeling work, mainly in the areas of firefighter deaths and human behavior in fire. She has authored NFPA's annual study of on-duty firefighter fatalities since 1981.

Kenneth R. Willette has  35 years experience in fire service and emergency preparedness planning. He has served as a airfield/structural firefighter for the Department of Defense and as a call and career firefighter. He served the Wilbraham, MA. Fire Department for 26 years, rising through the ranks to serve 7 years as Chief of Department and Emergency Management Director. In 2003, he accepted command of the Concord MA. Fire Department, serving as Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director until his retirement in 2009. In 2010, he joined the National Fire Protection Association as Manager of the Public Fire Protection Division . He earned a BS in Fire Protection Administration from Empire State University, Stony Brook, NY and  is Pro Board  Certified Fire Officer I and  Fire Instructor I He is a Past President of the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts and has served on the Massachusetts State Emergency Response Commission, and as an Operations Chief with the Incident Support Unit, operated by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services.