Find you Fire Fitness Trainer
Click on your shift below to be taken to your current FFT
A Shift
B Shift
C Shift
D Shift
PD&A
Prevention
Communications
A Shift
Bronson Silva- Firefighter 104 A Shift Since 2019
Taking an interest in your health and fitness as a firefighter is paramount to preform the job specific tasks proficiently to best serve your community. Beyond that, it is so much more. We want every member of our department to stay healthy and injury free throughout their whole career, retirement, and to be able to do the things they love when they are off the clock. I started my fitness journey training to be bigger, faster, and stronger for football. This fuelled a passion for me, leading me to study kinesiology, take a plethora of health and fitness courses, and pursue a career in the industry. Everyone has a purpose in life, and I strongly believe mine is to help as many individuals as I can achieve optimal health and wellness both physically and mentally. Currently i’m coaching crossfit and weightlifting alongside personal training clients with over 6 years in the industry. If your goal is longevity and pain free movement throughout your career and retirement, weight loss, or any specific performance related fitness goal; please don’t hesitate to reach out! There are no stupid questions, and a simple phone call or message is the perfect place to start!
Vanessa Schabkar- 106 A-shift. Firefighter since 2019.
My fitness journey includes over 17 years of hockey; 10 years at an elite level as well as 5 years coaching at a high-performance level. I’m also certified in the IAFF WFI Fit to Thrive Program! I believe firefighter fitness is important to prevent injuries, promote career longevity and stay fit to perform your duties and support your crew. It is also important to have a high quality of life outside of the job as well. I understand everyone has barriers, and for me the most difficult aspect i’ve had to overcome fitness wise has been transitioning from training for a high-performance sport to training for everyday health and fitness as well as career specific training. I have also found it challenging trying to find a balance with shift work and finding the motivation and energy after shift to maintain a consistent workout routine. One of the hardest parts of health and fitness is just getting started. Regardless of where someone is starting from, I can provide coaching that is both motivating and in alignment with individual goals in a way that is simple and approachable. My favourite exercises are hang cleans and rear foot elevated split squats, and I have more recently been experiencing the benefits of walking as it is an especially helpful tool for recovery. My guilty pleasure is egg rolls! However, life is about balance so I do not feel guilty about it! People overrate intensity and underrate consistency, so let’s start building those healthy habits now!
B Shift
TBD
C Shift
Lars Bredahl- 119 C-Shift. Firefighter since 2005
Fitness is integral to our profession in order to be able to perform all the expected tasks safely and efficiently. Whether you just got hired or have been on for 20+ years there are certain things we should be able to do and maintain. I want everyone to keep each other safe and accountable. I have been a part of the fitness industry for over 20 years and I’m certified in various elements including nutrition, Olympic lifting, rowing, kettlebells, and crossfit. My favourite exercise is squats, my hobbies include swimming and biking, and my guilty pleasure is chocolate covered almonds! I am well versed in building strength, athleticism, and endurance- just be ready to work!
“We are a direct reflection of the expectation of our peers.”
Steve Giancola: Station 118 C shift Firefighter since 2006
Firefighter fitness is important for staying fit and having fun; your life depends on it. The biggest obstacle I can help our members overcome is finding motivation to be the best version of yourself. I have experience as the C-shift baseball Champion, and I’m an all-around sport enthusiast. The biggest challenge I’ve had to face in relation to fitness/wellness is starting. The beginning is always the hardest. Take it slow. At the gym you can find me circuit training; hitting those big muscle groups. Outdoors I enjoy Mountain Biking, Baseball, Hockey, and Pickleball. My guilty pleasure is peanut butter on anything!
“It doesn’t get easier, You get better & stronger.”
D Shift
Alex Possamai: Station 119 D shift Firefighter 2005
First and foremost, firefighter fitness is important because it’s a safety issue that makes you better at your job. The average task becomes faster, and you become less susceptible to injuries. It provides a good example to others and to your co-workers. I would say that my strength lies in motivating people
to become stronger and enhance their mobility, and I’m happy to help our members move in this direction. My professional and personal experience is in CrossFit. I have certifications in Olympic lifting and training, and I’ve owned multiple gyms from 2007 – 2019. A challenge that I’ve had to overcome is having to rehab my own injuries. I’ve escaped the trap of being “busy” by prioritizing my health and putting that first. In the gym you will find me Olympic lifting, and outdoors I’ll be chopping wood. My guilty pleasure is Hawaiian pizza!
“The more we sweat in training – the less we bleed in battle.”