The Command Post Podcast: Why all firefighters should be held to mandatory fitness
Lt. Rom Duckworth and Chief Rob Wylie also talk about nepotism and perceived conflicts of interest in the fire service
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This week, hosts Lt. Rom Duckworth and Chief Rob Wylie discuss a recent story about fire officials planning to discipline firefighters who aren't exercising enough on the job.
"I think everyone agrees a firefighter needs to be physically fit," Chief Wylie said. "But when you bring it up as part of a mandatory thing, you have to work out ... and when you start throwing discipline on top of it, it gets tough and puts a wrinkle in it."
They also talk about how new nozzle products are changing the fire service in their frontline tactical tips segment.
Their leadership lessons segment explains nepotism and perceived conflicts of interest in the fire service and community leadership.
"I think nepotism rules are ridiculous," Chief Wylie said. "The fire service is a family business and to have relatives carry on the tradition within a family is what makes the fire service strong."
Here are links to some of the articles and other items mentioned on the show:
Ohio firefighters face discipline for lack of exercise
IAFF: Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative
Fire department issues safety stand down on fitness test
Fire hose nozzles: How to choose and use the right fit
Nozzle maintenance: lube the moving parts
Ind. nepotism law forcing trustees off volunteer department
Possible conflict stirs concern; New N.J. councilman is also a firefighter
