HOUSTON — The Houston Professional Firefighters Union is looking into if firefighter cadet Steven Whitfield II’s line-of-duty death last week could have been prevented.
ABC13.com reported that one current Houston firefighter, who didn’t want to be identified, said Whitfield’s death is a reminder that there is no mandatory physical fitness testing or requirements for firefighters once they’re out of the academy.
Whitfield, a 32-year-old aspiring firefighter from Beaumont, Texas, had completed nearly all the obstacles at the Houston Fire Department’s rigorous Survival House when he collapsed.
“He’s probably one of the most fit cadets they had in a long time,” union President Alvin White said. “Seems like something went awry that day and hopefully we can get some answers in the near future.”
Fire Chief Rodney West said every employee can get free yearly physicals, but there is no requirement to remain fit.
“They don’t want anybody to be punished for anyone not being able to do their job, but I think the biggest punishment is a firefighter losing his life. Should he lose his life because he didn’t get a physical?” the unidentified firefighter said.
Autopsy results on Whitfield could take weeks, but officials all agreed that he was very fit. Firefighters hope the tragedy will open up officials’ eyes to help firefighters maintain their fitness.
The union has maintained that it would not have an issue requiring annual physicals if there is no punishment for firefighters who fail.
“We would love physicals given to our members,” White said. “Non-punitive physicals that identify a program and chance to correct that.”