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Brownsburg, Indiana - July 2002
The town of Brownsburg is considered one of the largest urban areas in
Hendricks County. With a population of 14,520, Brownsburg retains a small-town
feel while having quick and easy access to Indianapolis eight miles to
its east.
Chief is 20-Year Veteran
The Brownsburg Fire Territory serves an area encompassing a population
of 30,000 and 53 square miles. Fire Chief Mike Rosemeyer began his service
with Brownsburg Fire Territory in 1982 as a volunteer. In 1990, he became
a career firefighter, and in January of 1998 became chief. He invested,
first and foremost, in his personnel.
Fitness Testing Begins
A fitness testing program, along with annual physicals, was one of the
first steps the chief took. The fitness tests were administered by fellow
firefighters and involved a step test, flexibility test, push-ups, sit-ups,
grip strength, and body fat testing using girth measurements. Height and
weight were also measured. His goal was to collect data over several years
and then establish fitness standards.
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Fast Facts on the Brownsburg Fire Territory
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Population Served:
Area Protected:
# of Stations:
# of Firefighters:
Average Age:
# of Runs in 2001:
Apparatus:
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30,000
53 square miles
2
53 paid; 15 volunteers
27
2,200
- 2 engine companies
- 1 rescue
- 1 truck
- 1 tanker
- 1 grass fire unit
- 4 ambulances
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Wellness-Fitness Initiative
Chief Rosemeyer recently decided to implement the fitness tests recommended
by the IAFF/IAFC Wellness-Fitness Initiative introduced in 1997. The Initiative
is designed to improve the wellness of fire department uniformed personnel.
Ten professional fire departments (nine U.S. and one Canadian) are participating
in a study to qualify the impact of the Wellness-Fitness program.
The Initiative includes five components: (1) annual complete
physicals; (2) annual fitness testing and exercise prescriptions; (3)
injury prevention and rehabilitation program;
(4) behavioral health programs such as nutrition and stress management;
and (5) data collection and reporting.
Chief Rosemeyer's goal is to protect the health and safety
of all of his uniformed personnel. He likes the fact that the Initiative
is endorsed by both labor and management. He sees it as an incumbent test
that measures what is most important as a firefighter. "Firefighters
die every day-mostly due to cardiovascular conditions. Your people's health
and welfare is an issue you have to do something about," he states.
The fact that the fitness testing is being administered by a third party
is appealing. He believes the results will be more objective.
Mandatory Fitness Program
Going along with the Initiative recommendations, the Brownsburg Fire Territory
has developed a mandatory fitness program with established standards.
Darrell Mendenhall of Public Safety Medical Services worked closely with
Battalion Chief Todd Miller to develop a fitness policy that will go into
effect this year.
Members are Receptive
The chief has noted that his members "seem to be very receptive to
the program." Many of them have already begun to develop healthier
habits, including utilizing their firehouse weight room regularly. He
really likes the fact that he will have an increased ability to take care
of his people.
New Association President
Chief Rosemeyer will have an opportunity over the next year to provide
his insights on the wellness-fitness initiative to other chiefs throughout
Indiana. He formally becomes the next president of the Indiana Fire Chief's
Association at the annual conference in July.
Visit the Brownsburg Fire Territory online by clicking
here!
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