Fire Department Strength and Conditioning
When Tommy Gayfield (MS ‘17) heard about a job opening for a strength and conditioning coach at a Colorado fire department, the idea “had him at hello.” “You’re making an impact not just for the firefighters, who need to have a foundation of strength and fitness to make them resilient at their jobs, but also the individuals they’re taking care of,” he says. “I get to make people better so they can help other people on their worst days? Absolutely.”
Gayfield is now in his fourth year as one of three strength coaches at South Metro Fire Rescue, with about 650 firefighters under their jurisdiction. They’re involved with everything from running workouts at 30 fire stations and holding educational seminars to helping physical therapists and athletic trainers rehab injured firefighters and coaching physical training for the department’s recruit academy. Gayfield’s team even shares resources to the fire department’s website daily, including educational podcasts and seminars.
Collectively, they’re part of a growing movement to help first responders reduce their risk of injuries and optimize their job performance. “It’s so much bigger than wellness,” Gayfield says.