Central York Fire Services chosen to join North American wellness task force

Central York Fire Services has been selected as one of 17 departments across North America to join the Wellness-Fitness Initiative task force, a collaborative effort through the International Association of Fire Fighters and International Association of Fire Chiefs to improve firefighter health and performance.

This May, a task force team visited CYFS as part of a multi-city effort to develop evidence-based wellness and fitness programs for firefighters and emergency medical workers, a CYFS news release said. 

CYFS was selected as one of 10 departments across North America to be visited in person and showcased alongside departments in major cities like New York and Miami-Dade.

“Many recognize firefighters as heroes for putting their life on the line to attack a blazing building, but what’s less known is the long-term risks associated with the call of duty our firefighters answer. At Central York, we’ve implemented a holistic health and wellness program that proactively tests against job-related medical concerns, supports our firefighters in fitness and nutrition, and addresses mental health challenges,” said Central York Fire Services Fire Chief Rocco Volpe in a news release.

“We’re proud to be recognized for the program and look forward to helping continue to enhance our program and support fire departments across North America in supporting their frontline workers.”

Firefighters face several job-related challenges, including occupational cancer, heart disease, and post-traumatic stress. Cancer is the No. 1 killer of firefighters, who have cancer rates higher than the general population.

The goal of the initiative is to provide departments with a holistic system to support the health and wellness of firefighters so they can do their jobs and retire healthy.

Acting captains Amber Bowman and Thomas Johnston (TJ) recently visited Washington, D.C., joining over 100 subject matter experts from fire departments, government agencies and academic institutions committed to sharing their expertise.

During the recent WFI visit here, the task force members, Acting Capt. Bowman and Johnston, explained that as a small department, they were creative in finding ways to enhance health and well-being. One example is creating a group of 15 peer fitness trainers who can help fellow firefighters and act as a resource on shift.

“As firefighters we have unique challenges at work to ensure we can perform our duties safely, to prevent injury and illness. We’re grateful to the International Association of Fire Fighters and International Association of Fire Chiefs for the organizations’ commitment to advocacy for health and wellness and to our employer for your shared commitment and creating a culture where our well-being is prioritized, ” said Michael Petrova, Central York Fire Services platoon chief and president of the Central York Professional Firefighters Association (CYPFFA).

While the current program has only been in place for the past five years, CYFS has historically taken the lead in advancing health and wellness for its members, the release said. In the 1990s, chief Sam Rippey started a fitness assessment program and later implemented the original Newmarket Fire Department task force and fitness certifications, with a similar approach for the Aurora Fire Department (pre-amalgamation).

CYFS, one of three Canadian departments in the task force, alongside Calgary and Fredericton, is considered a small fire department, with fewer than 200 members.

CYFS health and wellness program

Central York Fire Services has been a leader in implementing WFI practices, focusing on early detection, intervention, and prevention, the release stated. The current program includes:

• Annual in-depth blood work and consultation with a physician.
• Chest X-rays every five years.
• Annual fitness testing and cardiac screening.
• Diffusing sessions following challenging calls and preventative mental health initiatives.
• Peer-led monthly training on health, wellness, and nutrition.

“When people are willing to put themselves in harm’s way to protect us, we should be willing to invest in their health and well-being. Thank you to Central York Fire Services for developing a leading-edge health and wellness program and sharing your insight as a model for North American fire departments to aspire to,” said Newmarket Mayor John Taylor.

“Congratulations to Central York Fire Services for leading a well-recognized health and wellness program. By prioritizing the physical and mental well-being of your team, you’re not only strengthening your service to the community; you’re also setting a clear example of what modern, forward-thinking fire services can and should look like across the province,” said Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas.