Capt. Matt Dunfield, of the Windsor Fire Department, mapped out the progress made by members participating in a recent active living challenge. The participants “walked” from Yarmouth to Meat Cove in Nova Scotia. Photo by Carole Morris-UnderhillArticle contentA recent initiative at the Windsor Fire Department has not only helped boost the use of the station’s gym but it has resulted in bolstering camaraderie as well.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentCapt. Matt Dunfield, a professional Moncton, N.B., firefighter and volunteer firefighter in Windsor, launched an active living campaign earlier this year. He modelled it after what his Moncton station was doing but scaled it back for the volunteer force.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentCurrent firefighters, as well as veterans, auxiliary members and family members were invited to take part and log their activity.Article content“We had a greater uptake in our gym use after we started,” Dunfield said, noting the station has a well-equipped and modern workout room.Article contentPeople also started sending in workouts and hikes they completed from home.Article content“All in all, there was probably a dozen to a dozen and a half people that participated,” he said.Article contentThe goal was to travel 801 kilometres from Cape Forchu Lighthouse near Yarmouth to Meat Cove – the most western tip of Nova Scotia to one of the most eastern tips of the province.Article contentHe provided updates as the group progressed along the route, encouraging participants to Google some of the locations to learn more about them.Article contentArticle contentIt took about a little more than three months to complete.Article content Several Windsor firefighters, along with family members, veterans and auxiliary members, accepted an active living challenge earlier this year. Upwards of 20 people participated in logging kilometres walked, including, from left, Graham and Monica Driscoll, with their children Bennett and Maren, Kris Lake, Garret Milne, and Matt Dunfield, with his children Lillie and Gavin. Photo by ContributedArticle contentArticle contentDunfield was proud of the team effort and said there were multiple benefits.Article content“It helps create buy-in. People are starting to invest in their physical fitness, which is a key part of firefighting,” said Dunfield. “Having people here at the station lowers our response time as well.”Article contentJamie Juteau, a deputy fire chief in Windsor, said he thought the initiative was a positive one for the membership.Article content“This was a very worthwhile undertaking for the members involved that participated,” said Juteau.Article content“It gives them a goal besides lifting weights and walking on a treadmill and watching the news.”Article contentThe Windsor Fire Department has about 55 firefighters and is currently recruiting new members.Article contentDunfield said “it would be neat” if other local fire departments hosted similar active living challenges. He’s already planning what the next one will be for Windsor. He said they may focus on crossing the Atlantic Ocean – but that won’t be until later this year.Article content
Logging kilometres: Windsor firefighter challenge puts active living front and centre
