So … what exactly is Health and Ladders?

So … what exactly is Health and Ladders?

FLT Josh Stuart-Shor

It’s been a little over a year since we launched the Health and Ladders program. In that time, many of you have pushed yourselves and built strength in our firehouse and individual challenges. For that participation, we can't thank you all enough. But given how much time has flown, some of you may still wonder what Health and Ladders even is. It’s simple: Health and Ladders is your resource and support for all things health- and fitness-related. We are here solely for you, the members of the Boston Fire Department.

Our mission: To physically and mentally prepare the members of the Boston Fire Department through nutrition, fitness, recovery and education. Here are the beliefs that underpin that mission:

• Physical and mental preparation are the cornerstones of capable and professional firefighting.

• Through education and opportunity, members can make decisions that best suit their needs to be skilled firefighters, return home safely to their families every shift and maintain strong, healthy relationships inside and outside of the firehouse.

• It’s our responsibility to the communities we serve to be capable and professional.

• We owe it to our families to maintain a proper work-life balance.

In that vein, the Boston Fire Department and this program owe all of you the training, resources and support you need to accomplish those goals. Funding for equipment and tools is vital, but it can never replace an investment in our members' individual preparedness. Health and Ladders is that investment in you.

We hope you take advantage of these resources and as always, please reach out to our team with anything we can do to support you.