STEPR Health & Safety Giveaway

Fitness and health are essential for volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue providers to excel in their demanding roles. To support these dedicated first responders, the NVFC and STEPR™ have partnered in 2025 to launch the STEPR Health & Safety Giveaway. This initiative will equip three volunteer fire departments with a STEPR PRO+ stair climber, accessory pack, initial warranty, and accompanying training to help foster physical and mental wellness among responders and provide innovative health and safety resources for those who selflessly serve their communities.

About the STEPR PRO+

STEPR stair climbers provide a full-body, low-impact cardio workout that directly supports the physical demands of first responders. Built for functional fitness, they help improve endurance, leg strength, and cardiovascular capacity – critical for firehouse readiness and real-world performance. With no STEPR subscription required and commercial-grade durability, STEPR is designed to help first responders stay mission-ready.

  • Full 7″ floating step with enhanced surface area to accommodate any foot size
  • ‘Fit anywhere’ promise ensures fit for ceilings 100” and above
  • Up to 190 steps per minute (SPM) to allow for advanced high-intensity interval training (‘HIIT’)
  • Overbuilt commercial grade hardware
  • 27″ HD touchscreen with 360º swivel & pivot capabilities
  • Fitness & entertainment with 120+ coach lead on-demand classes & multiple streaming options
  • No STEPR subscription required
  • STEPR strength and resistance anchor points for more than just stepping
  • Industry leading safety features with auto sensing features, multiple emergency stops, and a laser safety feature to ensure peace of mind
  • Initial manufacturer’s two-year warranty is included; extended warranty options are available at the fire department’s expense

Learn more about the STEPR PRO+ in detail by reviewing its specifications and visiting the product page.

Criteria

To be eligible to apply, departments must meet the following criteria:

  • Be over 50% volunteer; paid on-call is considered volunteer.
  • Be located in the U.S. and legally organized under state law; Indian/tribal entities not organized under state law are eligible.
  • Individual applying on behalf of the department or department chief must be a member of the NVFC. Don’t know your member status? Click here to find out. Learn about member benefits and join here.
  • Demonstrate a need for the equipment, explain how it will be used, and articulate the impact it will have on the department and its members.
  • Confirm that the department has a viable area to utilize and store the equipment.
  • Share a department photo or video and publicize the donation; sample promotional tools and templates will be provided.
  • Report back within four months on how the equipment was used.
  • Recipients must use the donated items for the benefit of their department and not for any other purpose; cannot be resold.
  • Only one application will be accepted per department; any subsequent applications received for that department are ineligible.

How to Apply

The 2025 application period will be open February 10 – March 9. Check out our special opportunities page for more giveaways, grants, and scholarships exclusively for volunteer responders.

Selection Process

After the application period ends, an expert panel selected by the NVFC will review the applications. Three departments will be selected to each receive a STEPR PRO+. One winner will be announced each month in April, May, and June. Winners will be contacted directly before the public announcement is made.

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact Lori Shirley at lori@nvfc.org or 202-887-5700 ext. 125.

Partners

About STEPR
STEPR is revolutionizing fitness with our innovative stair climbers designed to help individuals of all levels take their health and performance to the next level. Built with quality, versatility, and accessibility in mind, STEPR climbers are trusted by athletes, first responders, and fitness enthusiasts worldwide. Our mission is to make stair climbing mainstream and empower people to take the next step toward better health. Learn more at https://getstepr.com.

About the NVFC
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides critical resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org.