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Dateline Fairfield: February 7th 2009 Fire Fighters from accross the nation came together on the weekend of February 7th and 8th here in the Fairfield area for an opportunity to meet each other and improve themselves in the art of the KettleBell, a new and challenging form of physical training. “The workouts make everything else I have done seem pointless, can’t wait to see where it takes me.” “It would absolutely help with the way we operate on the fire ground.” “It can be easily adjustable to your own home and the benefit from the program is exactly what is needed for today’s modern firefighter.” “It was real life training that can be done anywhere.” Those were just a few of the quotes from people who attended the RKC Kettlebell seminar the weekend of February 7th and 8th Local 1426 Member and Fairfield Fire Assistant Chief George Gomola was instrumental in organizing the event and wished a very special thanks to all who attended the first ever “Kettlebell Training for Firefighters” Seminar held last weekend at the ConnecticutT Tank facility in Bridgeport CT. We had over 41 participants. Firefighters attended from all over the State, representing Norwalk FD, Stamford Fire Rescue, Poquonnock Bridge Fire Dept., Milford FD, West Haven FD, Stratford FD, and Fairfield. Some brought their wives, and some brought their sons and daughters. The diversity of the class was amazing – from age 12 through age 63, from a few years on the job to retirees, firefighters through Chief Officers. The physical conditioning ranged from athletic to highly deconditioned. All participants performed EVERY exercise and participated in every training session. With the exception of sore hamstrings and one dropped bell there were NO reported injuries in 2 days of training in this eclectic blend of hard style Russian Kettlebell training, flexibility, strength training and yoga. The program was made possible through the generosity of ConnectictT Tank and it’s owners – Joe Palmeri and Rob Kellerman. Thanks for sharing your space with us. We are also extremely grateful to the Fairfield Firefighters Benevolent Association and it’s members – Frank DeAngelo – head cook and bottle washer – Jeff DeNitto – social director, Mark Harry and John Callandriello . As (Lead instructor) Zar put it so well on the ride back to the airport – we learned this hoping some day to be able to teach our brothers- now we have. Thanks for giving us that opportunity. Train hard, train smart. Well Done to all those who attended !!!
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