In the fire service, there are three shifts. They go by the colors Red, Gold or Black. Also, by numbers 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Each shift has its own character, and characters, but they all flow together into a system that is widely recognized and functioning. It is my vision for the fire service to adopt a new addition to the schedule, a piece of time that every member belongs to, but also owns a piece of. This piece of time, is the 4th Shift.
The 4th Shift represents the time spent improving both physically and mentally to be more effective on the job and more capable away from it. The 4th Shift is where we learn, grow, train and improve. It can be during work or away, and is rooted in tradition, but adaptive and embracing of the present and future.
At the business end, 4th Shift Fitness is an avenue to educate and train my fellow first responders to become more durable, increase fitness, avoid injuries and reduce the time lost because of them. It can also pay dividends to departments by limiting workman comp claims and time lost costs. By going out to departments and giving lectures, seminars and training sessions, I can get the information directly to the people who can use it and need it the most.
This, of course, is a project that will not happen overnight, but I am working towards it daily. In the coming weeks, months and, hopefully, years, I’ll be going out to departments to share my vision and educate their members. I know and understand there will be a lot of closed doors and “not right now” but just like the first responder’s career, it is a marathon and not a sprint. In the meantime, be prepared for your shift.