Firefighter Fitness
As a volunteer firefighter in a small town, I can honestly say that I'm not in the kind of shape that I want to be. I can also say that there are a lot of firefighters that are in much worse shape than I am.
This piece from the Ogden Standard-Examiner got me to thinking about this subject.
The Ogden Fire Department is working with physical trainers, medical staff, the firefighter's union and legal teams to come up with set requirements for the test, which may involve sit-ups, push-ups and treadmill exercise. It could also include a firefighting simulation....
"Not meeting the standard eventually will (result in firing), but we're talking about a three-year period," Owen said.
"We're not trying to fire anybody because they don't meet the standard."
Instead, firefighters are more likely to face specific mandates in workout activities if they don't meet the standards, which have not yet been set.
I'm not familiar with fire department policies on fitness. We don't have a fitness policy in Miller, but I think we probably should. Does your department have a fitness policy? What does it consist of? Please send an e-mail or post a comment. Thanks.
