Program Overview

The Fitness program’s purpose is to provide adjunct support to the District’s wellness program by focusing on three key areas: physical fitness training and education, Individual member support and guidance, as well as research, purchasing, maintenance, and repair of the District's fitness equipment. The program recognizes that research has demonstrated the need for high levels of aerobic fitness, muscular endurance, muscular strength, muscular power, and flexibility to perform safely and effectively in fulfilling our mission of providing emergency services to the communities we serve.

Management Oversight

The Fitness program is directed by the Division Chief of Operation with oversight authority delegated to the Battalion Chief and program coordinator. This program does not have any full-time equivalent employees. This program contains the expenses pertaining to general fitness supplies and equipment purchases, maintenance and repair services, and overtime for training and program administration.

Goals and Objectives

• Regularly review and update the fitness equipment inventory, ensuring that all items are properly recorded. Replace aging or damaged equipment promptly to ensure the fitness facilities are fully operational and safe for use.
• Design and implement a comprehensive yearly fitness program tailored to the needs of our members. This program will include fitness assessments, structured training routines, and goal-setting to enhance overall physical health and performance.
• Offer personalized fitness evaluations, feedback, and coaching to members, helping them improve their physical fitness, meet individual goals, and maintain peak performance levels.
• Continuously track the progress of members through regular evaluations, adjusting fitness plans as needed to ensure ongoing improvement and address any specific physical challenges or needs.
• Manage the routine maintenance, servicing, and repairs of all fitness equipment to ensure it remains in good working condition. Schedule regular inspections and address any issues promptly to avoid downtime and maintain a safe environment.

FY 2023-24 Accomplishments

• Partner with a new equipment maintenance company, such as Gym Doctors, to provide regular, scheduled evaluations and emergency repairs for all fitness equipment, ensuring it remains in optimal condition for member use.
• Establish a relationship with a trusted and reliable fitness equipment vendor, such as American Fitness, to ensure the department has access to high-quality, durable equipment and efficient support for future purchases and repairs.
• Develop and implement a robust fitness evaluation program for all firefighters, including assessments that measure strength, endurance, and overall physical fitness. These evaluations will serve as a baseline for individual training programs and progress tracking.
• Begin repurposing and refurbishing existing fitness equipment where possible, ensuring that functional equipment is retained and optimized for continued use, reducing costs and extending the life of our resources.
• Continuously assess the effectiveness of the fitness program and equipment, gathering feedback from personnel to identify areas for improvement and making adjustments to maintain a high standard of physical fitness within the department.

FY 2024-25 Program Initiatives

• Replace outdated treadmills, cardio machines, and other gym equipment across the district to ensure members have access to safe and reliable fitness tools.
• Outfit the new Station 3 outbuilding/gym with modern fitness equipment to support the physical training needs of personnel.
• Update and replace outdated equipment at existing gyms, and in some cases, fully overhaul facilities to enhance functionality and safety.
• Partner with outside resources to design and implement health and fitness programs for district members, including educational sessions on wellness, nutrition, and injury prevention.
• Create new, challenging fitness evaluations for district members and integrate these with the district’s wellness group to promote a comprehensive approach to physical and mental health.