On Friday March 22, the Federal Emergency Management Agency notified an “Assistance to Firefighters Grant†(AFG) had been awarded to the Evansville Fire Department. The purpose of the (AFG) Program is to protect the health and safety of the public and firefighting personnel against fire and fire related hazards. The AFG, Firefighter Wellness and Fitness Program, provides funding for eligible expenditures listed below: (highlights are areas that are specific to this award)
• Procurement of entry level physicals that meet NFPA 1582
• Annual medical/ fitness health evaluations consistent with NFPA 1582
• Immunizations, as recommended by the department or law (e.g., NFPA)
• Behavioral health programs
• Implementation if IAFC/ IAFF peer fitness trainer programs
• Costs for personnel, physical fitness equipment (including shipping charges and sales tax, as applicable), and supplies directly related to physical fitness activities
EFD does provide applicant medical exams compliant with NFPA 1582 and the Indiana Public Employee Retirement Fund standards. EFD does not currently provide periodic NFPA 1582 compliant wellness and fitness exams. EFD will use these funds to implement the remaining three components of a complete wellness and fitness program: 1) Job related immunization program, 2) Annual medical/fitness evaluation and 3) Behavioral health programs.
With support from the AFG Program, EFD will implement the proposed firefighter wellness and fitness program- to ensure compliance with current standards and to provide the firefighters the education and resources to become healthy and resilient to continue to serve their community. EFD’s goal is to provide a safe and secure environment for families, businesses and visitors in the City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County, Indiana.
By enhancing the fitness and wellness level of its firefighters, EFD is confident in its ability to improve the safety of the citizens served – decreasing the risk of poor health outcomes among firefighters, especially when responding to emergency incidents.
Improvement in physical fitness needs to happen in our city and county, and we believe the Evansville Fire Department must take an active leadership role.
• The Performance Period of the grant is from March 15, 2013 to March 14, 2014.
• Project total $233,688
• Federal share $186,951
• EFD share $46,737
• NFPA 1582: Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments
• Updates will be provided to the media as the project moves forward.
