The Calgary Fire Department Peer Fitness Trainer Program
The Wellness-Fitness Initiative (WFI) is a cutting-edge program that focuses on
number of areas in Health and Wellness for Firefighters. A fundamental objective
of this initiative is to provide the necessary resources and equipment to create a
“roadmap” for improved firefighter health and wellness. Over the last few years a
great deal of time and energy has been spent on developing and streamlining the
Wellness Center. While the Wellness Center will remain as the backbone in the
initiative, the implementation of the Peer Fitness Trainer (PFT) program will also
serve as valuable resource for our membership. The role of the PFT includes;
interpretation of fitness results, developing individualized fitness programs, assist
with gym activities, monitor exercise technique, and provide nutrition and lifestyle
counseling. While many of you may feel that they you have the knowledge to
train appropriately the PFT can offer a variety of new training concepts that may
assist you even further with your goals. The Peer-trainer service is free and may
provide just the right motivation to get you started on the road to success.
Recently, the CFD ran a series of Peer Fitness Trainer (PFT) recertification
courses to bring its certified fitness trainers to a new high standard of excellence.
All PFT’s are certified with the American Council on Exercise. Currently there are
26 PFT’s assigned to suppression and 4 assigned to Training.
The Plan
The fire stations were divided geographically into five segments, with one PFT
per shift responsible for the fire fighters within that area. Each segment has 5-7
stations in it including up to 50 fire fighters. To access your trainer please contact
the appropriate PFT responsible for fire hall you are currently stationed at.
Peer Fitness Trainer Description
Peer Fitness Trainers (PFT) are considered leaders and experts in the
department in the areas of wellness and fitness. Professionalism is essential at
all times. A PFT must have effective communication skills and be sensitive to
individual differences of other firefighters. Building trust between the PFT and
the firefighter is crucial and relies on strict confidentiality. Organizational skills
and record keeping allow the peer fitness trainer to track progress and changes
to a firefighters program over time. All files kept by a PFT must be maintained in
a secure site. PFT’s are required to attend annual training and recertification
courses. The ultimate goal of a successful Peer Fitness Trainer is to have
excellent communication and leadership skills coupled with a foundation of
exercise science knowledge.
Peer Fitness Trainer Responsibilities
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Develop fitness programs for firefighters
 Build rapport with firefighter
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 Collect history and background information on firefighter
 Involve firefighter in the planning and goal setting process
 Implement a program, track progress, and provide ongoing follow up
Participate in ongoing training
Assist with CPAT orientations and testing of new recruits
Encourage fitness and healthy living choices across department
Lead by example
Each PFT responsible for specified halls
 5 PFT’s per shift
 PFT will be responsible for 5-7 stations each (about 40-50 firefighters)
 NW Stations: 3,7,10,15,17,21,28
 NE Stations: 4,13,18,22,27,31,32
 W Stations: 2,5,8,14,20,29,33
 E Stations: 1, 11,12,16,23
 S Stations: 6, 9,19,24, 25, 26, 30
PFT in charge of special projects
 Equipment
 Combat challenge
 WPFG/firefighter games
 Corporate challenge
 Etc.
Acting Pay
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Must submit program and follow up summary to get acting pay
 Five hours acting pay per program developed
 One hour consult and history
 Two hours program development
 One hour hands on implementation of program
 One hour follow up
Send PFT’s out in “field trainer” capacity to deliver info to floor
 PFT gets acting pay for this time
 Half a shift or full shift per station
Acting pay for mandatory personal training sessions of CPAT candidates
Certification
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Initial certification 2 weeks
 One week ACE certification
 One week CFD supplement and program development
Minimum 2 day update per year after initial certification
 Must get 10 hours per year of CEC’s to maintain certification
 Minimum one day update per year on CFD specific info
Must attend annual updates
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Package given out at updates to deliver info to floor
Normative data for past year supplied
Review testing procedures done at wellness centre
Evaluation
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Peer evaluation form will be given to each firefighter utilizing a PFT
Rewards will be given out to all firefighters who return their evaluations
 Water bottles, T-shirts, supplied by suppliers and/or sponsors
Required Supplies
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Each PFT will be supplied with a kit containing all required documents and
tools to be effective
 Kit contents:
 Supply of standardized forms (Par-Q, History, goal setting, follow up,
peer evaluations, Canada food guide, other handouts)
 Blank files for firefighters
 Pencil, eraser, red and black pen
 Clipboard
 Pad of paper
 Ruler
 Tape measure
 Stop watch
 Calculator
 Hear rate monitor
 Annual update info
 Sample workouts
 Copy of tests done at wellness centre and explanations
 Kits must have locking capacity
Rewards
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One PFT a year will be sent on a course of choice as a reward
 Need to look at funding and selection process