Peer Fitness Trainer Certification for Firefighters

In 1997, the IAFF and IAFC created a historic partnership to improve the wellness of fire department personnel. It became known as the Wellness-Fitness Initiative and ten large departments from across the United States and Canada were recruited to commit themselves to the program and participate in a study. The Peer Fitness Trainer Certification Program is a response by the IAFF/IAFC Task Force to help develop firefighters in each department who can take the lead in implementing the wellness-fitness initiative. Public Safety Medical Services is proud to be among the members of the Peer Fitness Trainer Certification Program committee. The committee is made up of representatives from the ten cities involved in the Wellness-Fitness Initiative.

ACE and IAFF Partner to Develop Certification
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has selected the American Council on Exercise (ACE) — the world's largest nonprofit fitness organization — to collaborate in the development and implementation of the IAFF's new Peer Fitness Trainer Certification for Firefighters.

Firefighters Will Be Trained to Administer Fitness Programs
The purpose of the Peer Fitness Trainer (PFT) certification is to identify firefighters that have demonstrated a certain level of knowledge and skill required to design and implement fitness programs, improve the wellness and fitness of their departments, and assist with the physical training of recruits. PFT's will help improve the safety, performance, and quality of life of its members.

Certification Will Be Offered at IAFF-Authorized Locations
ACE has worked with the IAFF to develop a valid certification exam that tests fitness knowledge specific to the firefighting industry. The certification will be offered at IAFF authorized exam sites.

ACE will work in conjunction with the IAFF to help develop exam preparation and continuing education programs to complement the certification.

Becoming Certified
Contact ACE at (800) 825-3636 or online at www.acefitness.org for more details. To register online, click here. For questions regarding upcoming certifications in the Midwest or to host a certification workshop, contact Darrell Mendenhall, ACE-certified Peer Fitness Trainer Instructor, by clicking here.