Des Moines Fire Department Named Among First in Nation as 'Gold Helmet Department' for Firefighter Health and Safety

Des Moines, Iowa- Thursday, April 2, 2026 - The Des Moines Fire Department (DMFD) has been officially recognized as one of the first 100 fire departments in the nation to earn designation as a Gold Helmet Department by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

This designation reflects DMFD's ongoing commitment to protecting the long-term health and safety of its firefighters, particularly in reducing occupational exposure to carcinogens and other harmful contaminants.

"This recognition is a direct result of the commitment our firefighters demonstrate every day, not just in responding to emergencies, but in prioritizing their own health and safety and that of their colleagues," Des Moines Fire Chief Jonathan Lund said. "We've made deliberate investments in equipment, facilities, and practices that reduce risk, and this designation validates that work."

A System-Wide Approach to Firefighter Health

DMFD has implemented several key initiatives and infrastructure improvements designed to limit exposure to harmful substances commonly encountered in firefighting environments:

• Station 11 Health-Focused Design: Station 11 was purposefully designed to reduce carcinogen exposure by separating the apparatus bay from living quarters. This design helps prevent diesel exhaust and other toxins from entering shared living spaces and is drawing interest from fire departments nationwide.
• Department-Wide SCBA Decontamination System: A Solo Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) decontamination washer is available for use by all 11 fire stations. This system significantly reduces contaminants on protective equipment, including masks and breathing apparatus, thereby limiting prolonged exposure to hazardous materials.
• Source Capture Exhaust Systems (SCES): Stations 11 and 4 are equipped with SCES technology, which captures and removes diesel exhaust directly from vehicles while they are inside the station. The SCES technology will be installed in our nine other fire stations in the next few months, equipping all fire stations with this health-preserving exhaust removal system.

By significantly reducing the exposure to contaminants and chemicals that would otherwise linger on clothing, masks, and breathing apparatuses, this unit will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of DMFD firefighters. This unit will be housed at the DMFD admin building, making it available for firefighters from all 11 stations. The unit will also be made available to other metro-area fire departments, further extending its impact in Central Iowa.

Continuing the Commitment

The Gold Helmet designation represents the latest milestone in DMFD's broader effort to improve firefighter safety and reduce long-term health risks associated with the profession. DMFD will continue to evaluate emerging technologies, facility designs, and operational practices to further enhance firefighter health and safety.

Contact
Devin Perry
Communications Specialist III, City Manager's Office
(515) 210-3966
[email protected]

About the City of Des Moines
The City of Des Moines is Iowa's capital city, and our 17 departments serve more than 214,000 residents and 46 neighborhood associations. Des Moines is a leader in sustainability and provides its residents with vibrant neighborhoods, a lively downtown, and abundant leisure opportunities.
Des Moines continuously improves neighborhoods, public safety, and quality of life by offering exceptional city services and reliable infrastructure while fostering an involved and compassionate community for all who visit and live in Des Moines.
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