Mortality Patterns Among Utah Firefighters, 2001-2024: A Proportionate Mortality Study.

OBJECTIVE: Firefighters face exposures linked to chronic disease and suicide. This study evaluated cause-specific mortality among Utah firefighters versus other occupations. METHODS: Utah death certificates (2001-2024) were analyzed using 2018 Census codes and NCHS causes. We estimated adjusted proportionate mortality odds ratios (aORs) for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and suicide. RESULTS: Analysis included 734 firefighter deaths and 366,952 others. After adjusting for demographics and tobacco use, firefighters had significantly higher odds for suicide (aOR 1.59; 95% CI 1.09-2.34). No significant differences were observed for cancer, heart disease, or diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Over 24 years, Utah firefighters showed elevated suicide mortality but not chronic disease mortality compared to other occupations. Findings highlight suicide as a critical occupational health concern, supporting prioritized mental health prevention.