​As firefighters, we face many instances throughout our careers that would make many outside of our field tremble. Whether it’s running into a burning building, diving into the ice, or hanging off of a rope, we do things that others would never dream of doing. Yet we do it without a second thought. We are fearless. That is...

​Picture this; you’re in a room with dozens of people of the same caliber as you. You gave it your all during the physical and mental tests that come with the tedious selection process to make it into the elite and proud career so many wish they could do. You may not of had the best grades in college, but...

​As with my last article, I would like to apologize up-front if anything that is said offends anyone. I don’t honestly care, but you never know these days. I am simply speaking honestly and passionately about a subject that is near and dear to me. If you are offended, you more than likely are part of the problem.

​First off, I would like to apologize if this article hurts any feelings. It is not meant to be a “shaming” article, nor does it aim to hurt ego's of those who read it. It is also mostly focused on male firefighters due to the fact that females are genetically smaller and weigh less than men. Hopefully you feel OK being left out of an article about heavy firefighters. This is merely an article of concern of something that is adding to the epidemic of obese firefighters. So, without further adieu.

​You made it here. YOU are the one that has the knowledge in your firehouse or on your shift about physical fitness, diet, and how to make them work to benefit yourself as a better firefighter and to support a better lifestyle. You've noticed a few others taking interest in what you are doing every time you are getting work done in the gym or in the stalls when you're flipping the tire. Maybe they have even come to you and asked general questions. So, what do you do?

​The best, single exercise for firefighters has been a long debated subject among many in the fitness world. Not as bad as smooth bore and TFT nozzles, but close. Many trainers tell you body weight exercises, or calisthenics, while others proclaim certain weighted exercises are the most beneficial for our jobs. 

​Pride. We all have it. Whether it's in being a truckie, a nozzleman, or on the rescue. Irish, Italian, German or Puerto Rican. We're proud of many things, and we all have pride in our rigs. The Engine, Truck, Rescue, Squad, or combination of the four.

​You work with a great group. We all do. We go through literal hell together, see terrible things, and sometimes beautiful things like the birth of a child, but either way, through thick and thin, we are there for each other. You go out after shift or off shift and have a beer at the bar or go out on the boat and enjoy some free time together. You have built some great memories and unbreakable bonds with your brothers and sisters, but have you ever thought to yourself, or wondered, “Could we get even closer? Could our group become even tighter?”. The answer is a definite YES.