Danbury Hospital is applying for a grant of up to a million dollars to do a study of firefighter cardiovascular health.  Research and development in firefighter health and safety is one of the FEMA grant opportunity categories.  

City Councilman Paul Rotello asked what the likelihood of Danbury getting this grant would be.  There is some $400-million in FEMA funding for grant opportunities. 

Fire Chief Geoff Herald recently told the City Council that the study will determine how well the testing program works for Danbury Hospital and how it works for the fitness of the fire service.

Danbury firefighters already have their annual physicals done at Danbury Hospital, so their records can be used for a baseline study.  The study will involve Danbury Hospital staff running checks on volunteer and career firefighters every three or four months and recommending exercises or dietary restrictions.   Some grant money would be set aside to outfit the department with equipment to increase cardiovascular exercise and to have a nutritionist visit the firehouse to help with dietary issues.

The study would be for a year and requires no money from the City.