Firefighter Fitness Essay Contest Winner

Contest Winner: FF Michael Oates
Fire Department: Hackensack, NJ
Prizes: A Single Set of Kettlebells (4), Firefighter Fitness Workshop
Prize Value: Over $3000

Congratulations Firefighter Michael Oates of the Hackensack Fire Department. Mike's essay took first place in the Why My Department Needs a Fitness Program essay contest. In addition to a set of kettlebells, Mike's department wins a day of kettlebell training with Captain Mike. Below is a copy of Firefighter Oates' award winning essay.


My department needs a fitness program because...

There is nothing more physically intense than fighting a fire. Sure, there are other professions that are physically demanding. Manual labor jobs can take a toll on their bodies after the hours pile up and the work gets done. They pound out the days' tasks, then go home and get ready for the same old grind the next day. Many firefighters understand this because most come from a world of labor and still have side careers in various trades to supplement their incomes.

Professional athletes train hard so their bodies can be in prime condition for game day. Countless hours are spent in the gym to train on specific elements that relate to their sport.

In my eyes, firefighters are sort of a hybrid athlete. They need to have the ability to maintain strength and stamina all the while keeping their wits about them. They don't have the advantage of knowing what time the game starts and how many minutes they are going to play. They can't just take a breather or call a timeout when they get tired.

For firemen, everyday is game day. They need their strength, stamina, and mental acuity to be at the ready any minute of any day. If they don't emerge victorious, it isnt just an L in the lost column, a life could hang in the balance.

The Hackensack Fire Department is 100 members strong. We usually ride light compared to a larger department. There are two firemen and an officer on the engine companies and truck company, and one and one on the rescue. When the alarm sounds, there is a lot of work to get done with a limited number of hands. Our department is proactive when it comes to firefighter education and training. Every day that I walk through the bay doors I want get on my knees and kiss the ground. I love my job.

I have been a member for two and a half years. Before joining, I worked as a personal trainer at a private fitness facility working mainly with athletes and older populations. I always searched for new and inventive tools to train my athletes most of the time using myself as the guinea pig.

I first came across the kettlebell about six years ago. In reading about it in certain books and journals, I always wanted to try using it for myself. Excited about the possible benefits (and the fact that I could use it in the confines of my one bedroom apartment) I ordered a 24 kg bell and an instructional DVD soon after.

This thing was cool! I worked out with it for a while. But not trusting in its full potential, it quickly found its way into the corner of my closet along with other strength gadgets that I ordered through the years. I would take it out and play with it every now and then. I was brainwashed into the traditional ways of power and strength and was afraid of giving it my full attention. After I joined the fire department and understood what goes into fighting a fire, I realized my training regimen was all wrong. Sure I was athletically fit, but I realized I had to improve my strength-endurance. Upon that realization, I opened up the closet and attacked the kettlebell full throttle. All I gained in the first few weeks were bruised forearms and a bruised ego. I realized the need for a lighter kettlebell to learn and perfect technique, so I ordered a 16kg and it has been the best decision I ever made.

The guys I work with know that I have a fitness background and worked as a personal trainer. I never brought it up or tried to sell them on fitness just because as a new guy, it just isn't my place. In fact, guys who are dedicated to working out seem to be the butt of some jokes because it seems they are the ones who are weak or come up with an injury. There is an old school mentality that working out is for the pretty boys.

Little by little, guys would ask questions or ask for suggestions as to how they should work out. In turn, I would ask about their goals or what they wanted to gain out of a program. To a man, the answer was the same: "I want to be more efficient on the fire ground." The day came when I brought in my kettlebell. Guys were taken back by this little piece of iron with a handle on it. I gave a few guys my sales pitch on its benefits as related to the fire service. To my surprise, I started giving the sales pitch a couple of times a tour to a few different guys each time. Now there are about 15 guys who workout with the kettlebell.

After dinner, instead of migrating to the television, we all end up in this make-shift weight room with antiquated equipment. But all we care about is this adjustable kettlebell that sits in the center of the room. We toss it around and discuss technique. We compare what we saw on the internet and give it a try.

To me, fire fighting is about being efficient. Especially with the limited manpower of our department, members have to get a lot done in a little amount of time. That means that we have to last. Our first minute in the fight has to be as strong as our last minute. The kettlebell is the single tool that can mimic what the body goes through in the adrenaline rush that is a fire fight. I am entering this contest to plead for help in teaching our members the correct way to utilize the kettlebell.