In Response to "Unhealthy Firefighters Wanted?" published in Command Post on Feb. 11, 2005:

While I love the attention being placed on firefighter health by fitness magazines, I agree with your article today outlining the question, "How do we get there?"  I am a Fire Chief of a combination department in northwest Tennessee, and have been in this position since May, 2004.  In our first 8
months together, our firefighters have begun annual testing of minimum physical fitness standards, as well as practicing that test every 3-4 weeks,
to help maintain a level of consistent fitness.  As part of our 5 year plan given to the City's leaders, we are proposing a wellness program that would
include but not be limited to the following:

1. Annual physicals and health screenings with improvement goals individualized for the employee.
2. Annual incentive pay for achievement of the improvement goals, set forth by the City's medical director/physician.
3. Confidential voluntary treatment and cessation programs for tobacco and alcohol use.
4. Scheduled work-out times while on duty for each and every firefighter, encouraging them to use the time to better themselves.
5. Annual participation in professional health seminars such as the Phoenix Symposium on Health and Fitness in the Fire Service.
6. Constant evaluation through feedback and results of the program, and continued expansion on those programs particularly effective in achieving
the desired results.
7. Annual memberships at the local fitness center for all firefighters.
8. Finally, close consultation with our insurance companies, to provide information of proactive steps taken to lower actual health care costs.

Our problems will be funding and participation in all aspects of this initiative.  However, our belief is that by improving the health, fitness, and awareness of all aspects of a firefighter's health, we will improve our ability to deliver the type of emergency services that our clients and taxpayers deserve.

This issue will dominate the landscape of firefighting for years to come. We must all band together to make real, decisive change to our profession, and help each other along the way with the challenges that we face in delivering the best possible service to our communities.

Oran D. True
Fire Chief, City of Martin, Tenn.