California Insurance Firms Help LA Firemen Stay Fit

Policemen may have the donut problem. But it is firefighters who get all the love these days, as evidenced by the $24,378 gift from Worldwide Facilities, Inc., and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co. to the Los Angeles Fire Department to purchase new workout machines.

The companies note that heart attacks and strokes are responsible for killing 50 percent of the firefighters who die while on-duty.

“This equipment is specifically designed to strengthen the heart, muscles and entire body,” said Battalion Chief Fred Mathis. “A firefighter’s job is very strenuous and we’re committed to helping them maintain healthy lives and staying physically fit throughout their careers.”

Chief Mathis said his department is using the gift to purchase two new treadmills, an elliptical trainer, and various weights, which will be placed at Station 11 near 7th St. and Wilshire Blvd.

Studies have shown that a regular fitness regime can have a dramatic impact on firefighter wellness, with up to 71 percent fewer work-related injuries, a 43 percent reduction in sick leave, and a 25 to 45 percent reduction in sprain/strain injuries.

“We can’t think of a better way to help the firefighters,” said Davis Moore, president of Worldwide Facilities. “They have incredibly demanding jobs and it’s important we support their health with these new high-tech workout machines.”

Chief Mathis, Los Angeles firefighters, and executives from Worldwide Facilities and Fireman’s Fund came together for a special public recognition event where the grant package was presented last Thursday, August 13 at Los Angeles Fire Department,
Station 11 on W. 7th street.

The grant is part of a nationwide philanthropic program funded by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. The program is designed to provided needed equipment, training and educational tools to local fire departments. Since 2004, Fireman’s Fund has issued grants to more than 1,400 different departments totaling more than $23 million.

Independent insurance agencies that sell Fireman’s Fund insurance, like Worldwide Facilities, can make suggestions to Fireman’s Fund to direct these grants.