Three Volunteer Fire Departments Receive a STEPR Pro+ to Enhance Health and Fitness
April 29, 2025
Firefighters and EMS providers face physically demanding tasks that require them to be fit and ready for the job at hand. Yet many volunteer departments lack the fitness equipment that can help foster physical and mental wellness among their members. That is why STEPR™ partnered with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to give away three STEPR PRO+ stair climbers in 2025 through the STEPR Health & Safety Giveaway.
Each of the winning departments will receive a STEPR PRO+ stair climber, accessory pack, initial warranty, and accompanying training. To be eligible to apply, departments had to be over 50 percent volunteer, located in the U.S. and legally organized under state law, demonstrate a need for the equipment, and the person applying or chief must be a member of the NVFC.
“Volunteer responders are the backbone of their communities, answering the call when others are in need,” said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch. “Their role demands physical strength, endurance, and resilience. From carrying gear and patients to climbing stairs and navigating challenging terrain, fitness is critical to ensuring they can respond safely and effectively. We are pleased to partner with STEPR to help more departments secure a stair climber to enhance fitness, decrease risks of injury, and increase operational readiness.”
“STEPR is on a mission to make every step count,” said Nick Goodman, STEPR Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. “We are uniquely committed to improving the quality of life and wellbeing of first responders, including those that volunteer to assist their neighbors on their worst days. Our partnership with the NVFC is a demonstrable reflection of this, and we’re proud to be a part of the training regiments of volunteer firefighters across the country.”
The recipients of the 2025 STEPR Health & Safety Giveaway are the Alabama-Coushatta Indian National Volunteer Fire Department (Livingston, TX), King County Fire Protection District #50 (Skykomish, WA), and Runnemede (NJ) Fire Department. Learn more about the program at www.nvfc.org/stepr, and learn about the recipients below.
Alabama-Coushatta Indian Nation Volunteer Fire Department
The Alabama-Coushatta Indian Nation Volunteer Fire Department provides fire suppression and first responder services to 113 square miles in eastern Polk County, TX, including farmland, industrial sites, recreational areas, and the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas reservation. The 19 active volunteer firefighters respond to 250 calls each year, including traffic accidents, hazmat incidents, structure and wildland fires, hurricanes and floods, community safety calls, and any other requests for assistance. With little state or federal funding, the department relies heavily on fundraising events to help bring financial assistance from the community.
The department is looking to provide equipment to its members to enhance their fitness and start an exercise program. Right now, members either have to have their own fitness equipment at home or travel over 20 miles from the department’s coverage area to go to a gym. With the addition of the STEPR Pro+ stair climber, the department can enhance trainings and drills as well as help personnel stick to a fitness program. “With in-house equipment, we could keep track and reward those that come in and use the equipment,” explains Fire Chief Willo Sylestine.
King County Fire Protection District #50
King County Fire Protection District #50 is located in the small mountain town of Skykomish, WA. Although the resident population is 1,500, large numbers of people pass through the district for the ski area, national forest, and scenic highway. The 22 volunteer firefighters and two paid firefighters respond to an average of 330 calls a year and have experienced major snowstorms, wildfires, and floods that isolate them from other towns.
With the nearest gym about 35 miles away from the center of the district, it is important that department members have equipment available at the station. The addition of a STEPR Pro+ will help the current firefighters be better prepared for response and the newer members prepare for the candidate physical ability test and fire academy as well as the pack test for wildland firefighting. Fitter firefighters can also result in reduced injury risks.
“We have been trying to improve our health and safety programs. We have gotten some equipment, but it is very limited,” said Chief James Knisley. “With better health, we will increase safety, operations, and help responses run smoothly… [This donation] will be a great improvement to the district to help better serve our community.”
Runnemede Fire Department
The Runnemede (NJ) Fire Department has 31 active volunteer firefighters and two paid firefighters serving a population of 8,300 and averaging 600 calls a year. The department works closely with government officials to ensure delivery of quality emergency services while being fiscally responsible to residents and business owners. The community sits at a crossroads of five state highways and contains residential and commercial buildings, schools, commuter bus lines, a regional sewage pumping station, and the Colonial Pipeline.
As part of the department’s commitment to ensuring the health and safety of firefighters while enhancing operational readiness, it has been working to build a gym over the past year. The new STEPR Pro+ will be a key component to complete the training facility and allow firefighters to condition specifically for the physical demands of emergency response.
“Firefighting requires peak physical conditioning, especially in high-stress, high-exertion situations like multi-story rescues and fire suppression in stairwells. The STEPR Pro+ will allow our personnel to train specifically for these real-world challenges, strengthening cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, and stamina,” said Deputy Chief Anthony Dolce. “The impact will extend beyond our department to the entire community. A healthier, stronger fire crew means faster response times, improved rescues, and a reduction in firefighter injuries, ensuring reliable service to those in need.”
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.
