On Saturday, July 16, 2016, the Avon Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD) tested its officers’ physical fitness by putting them through a specially-designed 10-station physical performance qualification (PPQ) course.

The stations in the course represented the minimum number of skills firefighters must perform and mimic the work that is expected in the first 15 minutes on a fire scene. The goal was to measure physical ability, not competency.

The PPQ is an annual assessment of an Avon Volunteer Firefighter’s capacity to perform essential job tasks under simulated work conditions. In this trial run of the new course, AVFD officers – Chief, Assistant Chiefs, Captains, and Lieutenants – were the first personnel evaluated. Ultimately, the test will be administered to and required of all AVFD members.

Under the encouragement and guidance of the AVFD’s medical officer, Captain Adam Corrado, MD, the Department has created and is implementing a comprehensive health and safety program: the Wellness and Fitness Initiative. Part of the initiative’s fitness program, the PPQ evaluation is one of several components in a new 10-year progressive plan designed to improve the health and safety of AVFD members and, in turn, enhance the Department’s preparedness and effectiveness in meeting the needs of the community and region.

Click here to read NBC CT’s online report by Kristen Johnson, and see below for the clip that aired on the news.