Partnering with the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the American Council on Exercise, the International Association of Fire Fighters offers a Peer Fitness Trainer (PFT) program to establish a fitness trainer standard consistent with the health and fitness needs of the fire service throughout the United States and Canada.

Fire fighters who become Peer Fitness Trainers possess the knowledge and skills required to design and implement fitness programs, improve the wellness and fitness of the uniformed members in their departments, assist in the physical training of recruits and assist the broader community in achieving wellness and fitness. In addition, Peer Fitness Trainers improve the safety, performance and quality of life for IAFF members.

IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger explains, "Developing the Peer Fitness Trainer certification program is a natural extension of the IAFF's current programs addressing the wellness and fitness of our members."

The PFT training and certification consists of a five-day workshop delivered through a network of host sites, including fire departments, fire academies, colleges/universities or other organizations. Up to 25 PFT candidates can participate in the workshop at a fixed fee of $15,000, with a maximum of 30 candidates. The cost for each candidate above the 25 is $600.

The PFT workshop assists candidates in preparing for the PFT examination. The IAFF recommends that candidates register three months prior to the workshop and examination to ensure sufficient time to review the course manual, PFT Self-Study Guide and reference materials.

Students who have taken the PFT course call it "an excellent training program and wonderful experience."

Since its inception, 82 PFT workshops have been held in nearly 30 states and provinces. The success of the PFT program reflects the current need throughout fire departments in North America to increase the health and wellness of department personnel.

For more information on the Peer Fitness Trainer program, call (202) 824-1574 or visit www.IAFF.org/safe/content/wellness/peer.html.

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