|
Firefighters from all parts of Montana are in the Garden City this week for tactical training at the Montana National Guard Armory.
O2X, a human performance company from Boston, is leading this intense training.
Which is welcomed by local fireman like Cooper Berry, an engineer with the Missoula Rural Fire District. He said that everyday tasks can take a toll on a firefighter's body and their mind.
"There are mental stresses and sleep disruptions that come along with the job,” Berry said.
The program is here to provide comprehensive training and education, so firefighters can finish their careers as strong as they started.
This exercise is welcomed by firefighting vets, like Battalion Chief Blaine Cowan.
"It's this new concept. It shouldn’t be, we actually should be thinking there's something beyond this... and shouldn't just accept the fact that I will have a broken down body to work with when I'm done,” Cowan said.
Firefighters from across the state are in Missoula to learn everything from physical fitness to healthy sleeping habits.
The program was extremely selective; only 60 firefighters in the entire state of Montana were picked to go. Missoula Rural Fire chose their firefighters with an essay contest.
"Each member had to write and say why they wanted to do this and what they would do to bring it back to the department,” said Berry.
The firefighters who weren't able to attend Wednesday’s session can use a health app created by O2X.
"Mediation exercises, workouts, nutrition plans. It has work out plans and has a link to contact these experts from around the country,” said Berry.
For these Montana firefighters, this was much more than just training, it's a chance to come together.
"As a state association, we are so geographically challenged. We don't get to together very often. It's just a great opportunity for firefighters around the state to get together. Spend time together and bond,” said Berry.
This training session began earlier in the week and is set to wrap up Thursday.
Source: abcfoxmontana.com
|
