Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, March 12, 1990 TAG: 9003122848
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER MUNICIPAL WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The city Fire Department has started a program requiring firefighters to exercise each day they are on duty. All fire stations have been equipped with fitness stationary bicycles, free weights and exercise benches. Exercise mats soon will be added.
The city also will supply firefighters with T-shirts and athletic shorts for exercise.
"The primary purpose of the program is to improve the overall physical fitness of the department and to decrease injuries and/or illness," said Fire Chief Rawleigh Quarles.
The exercise program, which began March 1, is designed to increase upper-body strength and the cardiovascular condition of firefighters, Quarles said.
Firefighters need upper-body strength because they handle high-pressure water hoses and perform other strenuous tasks.
The fire department always has given agility and fitness tests before hiring, but it now has adopted standards for cardiovascular conditioning, Quarles said.
Firefighters hired after Aug. 1, 1989, are required to meet the new standards.
Firefighters hired before then do not have to meet the standards, but are required to exercise daily.
Commanders will monitor the exercise program keep records of each employee.
Quarles said the fitness program was developed by a committee that included a physician, physical therapist, occupational health nurse and firefighters.
Some firefighters were apprehensive about the fitness program initially, Quarles said, but they seem to like it now.
"There is always some concern when there is change, but after we grandfathered the existing employees from the fitness standards, I think that relieved any apprehension," he said.
Quarles said he would like to see other municipal departments implement a fitness program for their employees.
by CNB