The Texas Commission on Fire Protection and the Fire Fighter Advisory Committee held a public hearing on October 5 in Austin to gather input regarding the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Committee on Firefighter Fitness and Wellness. (http://www.tcfp.state.tx.us/index.asp)

The Texas Fire Chiefs Association (TFCA) Executive Board approved the following statement and TFCA 1st Vice President Chief Harry Simms presented it to the Commission:

"The Texas Fire Chiefs Association recognizes that firefighters die each year as a result of wellness and fitness issues. The Texas Fire Chiefs Association also recognizes the importance of firefighter wellness and fitness and strongly supports wellness and fitness programs in local departments. However, we also recognize the political realities of opposition to the mandatory implementation of such programs. Therefore to require departments to address the wellness/fitness issue, but avoid an unfunded mandate, we recommend that the Texas Commission on Fire Protection implement the following language into the Commission rules.

Each fire department shall assess the wellness and fitness needs of the personnel in the department and shall develop and maintain a standard operating procedure to address those needs. The approach to the fitness needs of the department shall be based on the local assessment and local resources. The IAFF/IAFC - "Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative" is recommended as a guide in developing the local program.

The Standard Operating Procedure shall be available for Texas Commission on Fire Protection inspection upon request.

Additionally, the Texas Fire Chiefs Association recommends that Commission rules be amended, if necessary, to allow up to four hours of the required 20 hours of continuing education each year be in the subject area of fitness and wellness."

The Texas State Association of Fire Fighters supported the TFCA proposal. In their meeting yesterday, the Texas Commission on Fire Protection adopted the TFCA proposal and referred the rule change to the Fire Fighter Advisory Committee for formal action. The Fire Fighter Advisory Committee will meet again in January, 2006.