Health & Wellness

The nature of firefighting requires personnel to be conditioned both mentally and physically to function as tactical athletes.  This term best describes firefighters because they are required to perform physically demanding tasks that require accuracy and good judgment.  To achieve optimum levels of fitness, firefighters are required to exercise a minimum of one hour per shift using fire station gyms or city parks.  Firefighters always remain ready to respond to emergencies regardless of their fitness routines.

In recent years, the fire service has taken measures to reduce firefighter-related cancer by improving safety gear maintenance programs and installing equipment in fire stations that reduces firefighter’s exposure to carcinogens.  This includes support from the Center of Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) which have supported academic studies to better understand firefighters’ exposure to cancer.  In accordance with this research, the department is taking proactive measures to increase firefighter safety and reduce carcinogens within the workplace.  This includes the use of special turnout washing machines, improving personal safety equipment that resists carcinogens, and goals to improve fire station equipment.  Firefighters are also offered annual mental health services, metabolic screening, and respiratory evaluations that adhere to UOSH standards.