Fairfield firefighters get hefty federal grant for fitness training

[fed-up]

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/10/30/BAGCVFG9F81.DTL

San Francisco Chronicle
Fairfield firefighters get hefty federal grant for fitness training
Phillip Matier, Andrew Ross
Sunday, October 30, 2005

How's this for a terrorist alert -- the federal Department of Homeland Security just awarded the Fairfield Fire Department a $115,528 grant for exercise equipment and the services of a nutritionist who will train the firefighters on "healthy eating.''...

...And lest you think that this healthy eating is a load of pork, the congresswoman added that "firefighters are on the front lines of our nation's homeland security defenses and their fitness directly impacts their ability to serve our community.''...

...If the Fairfield fitness fund sounds like an oddity, it's not -- it turns out that Congress has appropriated $650 million this year so that 5,500 fire agencies can provide programs that include "wellness and fitness activities.''...

...The guidelines even allow money to be spent on incentive programs such as "T-shirts or hats ... vouchers to local businesses (movies, restaurants, etc.) or time off.''...

[donco6]

1. That's going on all over the US.

We had articles here about various fire depts. building new workout rooms, etc.

I feel safer. :sarcasm:

[aquart]

2. Gyms in firehouses is an intelligent idea.

Better than sitting around watching TV.

The t-shirts, hats, and diet advice? Not a brilliant use of our money.