Big Bear Lake, CA, February 2, 2016 – Big Bear Fire Department continues its reign as the Most Fit Fire Department for four years running. Once a year, firefighters are put through an intensive physical fitness screening process. An Exercise Physiologist from Fitness Appraisal, Inc., tests firefighters with an array of physical fitness testing equipment and blood tests. Big Bear Fire Department has surpassed the ideal standard of 1500, once again topping the rankings in 2015, achieving an average performance score of 1630.6.
Each year, Fitness Appraisal, Inc. determines the Most Fit Fire Department among its clients based on the average Physical Performance Score among all firefighters in each department. The ideal standard is 1500. Big Bear Fire Department’s Chief Willis stated, “It is my goal to have 100% of all the firefighters in the department meet the ideal standard. This year they are coming closer to obtaining that goal with only 7 firefighters, or 21%, falling below the ideal standard compared to other fire departments at an average of 37% below ideal standard.”
Following closely on the heels of Big Bear Fire Department’s ranking are departments from Paso Robles and Morongo. Other departments tested include Atascadero, Barstow, Barona, Camp Roberts, Del Mar, Rialto, Ross Valley and Solana Beach, CA.
Results of the fitness testing provide a wealth of information for the individual being tested and is grouped into an overall rating for the fitness level of the department. This information is vital to the training plans for the coming year.
