Fitness focus for Conn. firefighters

By Lauren Garrison
The Norwalk Citizen-News

NORWALK, Conn. — The Fire Department, which has seen its fair share of job-related injuries, is in the midst of implementing a new wellness program for its firefighters.

In a recent interview, Fire Chief Denis McCarthy said he expects the program to reduce the number of injuries and to lessen the severity of injuries and, consequently, the amount of time firefighters spend away from the job recovering.

McCarthy noted that Westport, Wilton, Stratford and Bridgeport have all implemented similar programs with positive results. Researchers from Southern Connecticut State University evaluated Westport's program and found "the investment paid dividends back to the city in a safer work environment and reduction of loss of time," he said.

Norwalk's firefighter wellness program is being funded by a $178,640 grant, of which 80 percent was supplied by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and 20 percent by the city. The funds have been allocated among four components of the program. First, $23,630 was dedicated to immunizing firefighters against hepatitis B and tuberculosis. Next, physical examinations were provided for all firefighters, for a total cost of $43,090, and $73,000 was used to purchase new exercise equipment a "universal

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