King County Fire District 2, the Burien/Normandy Park Fire Department, has received a $61,636 grant from the 2005 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

The funds will be used to institute a Wellness/Fitness program that has been accepted and encouraged by both the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Firefighters.

The program focuses on firefighter health, safety and injury prevention through fitness and nutritional counseling and exercise.

It includes close monitoring of the progress of all participants, with medical evaluations at the onset of the program and after one year of involvement.

A large part of the grant will be used to renovate two fire station fitness facilities by expanding the areas presently used for exercising and replacing or enhancing outdated equipment.

"Fire fighting is a physically demanding and high-risk occupation," said Battalion Chief Doug Luedeman.

"Anything we can do to reduce risk and prevent injuries while providing our services to the public will benefit everyone. Keep in mind, our firefighters are on the frontline of our homeland defense. I see this as a win-win situation."

Grant author Lt. Kris Gorshkov added, " This is the second time we have submitted an application for funding. Our department couldn't have provided this program without federal money. The firefighters enjoy staying fit and are very enthused by the news that we'll be placing more of an emphasis on doing so."

Fire Commissioner Galen Willis said, "I can't think of a better way to build an even stronger department."

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is administered by Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA is a part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.