Murfreesboro, TN - Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department is taking bold new steps to support the physical and mental well-being of its firefighters. Backed by a federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant totaling over $357,000, MFRD has launched an advanced wellness initiative that aims to elevate performance, reduce health risks, and help firefighters thrive both on and off the job.

The initiative pairs MFRD with two Middle Tennessee partners—fuelED Nutrition Coaching and Volunteer Physical Therapy and Performance—to deliver personalized fitness and health resources to the city’s fire crews. With the demands of emergency response requiring peak strength and stamina, firefighters are now receiving customized nutrition guidance, access to fitness equipment, professional training support, and rehabilitation services designed specifically for the rigors of the job.

Assistant Chief Josh Oliver likens firefighters to elite athletes, pointing out the intense physical challenges they face. “They operate under extreme pressure, carry heavy gear, and respond to emergencies that push them to their limits. Their fitness and nutrition should reflect the intensity of the role.”

fuelED’s team provides individualized meal planning and coaching that considers the unique schedules and health needs of firefighters, many of whom burn thousands of calories during active shifts. From managing fatigue and injury recovery to building energy through improved nutrition, the program takes a holistic approach that emphasizes sustainable health.

In tandem, Volunteer Physical Therapy supports firefighters in recovering from injuries and improving overall mobility and cardiovascular fitness. Whether addressing back pain from heavy lifting or working on flexibility and strength, this component of the program makes long-term wellness more attainable. The department is also offering peer counseling, with a focus on mental resilience and injury prevention.

Oliver describes the new program as more than just a workplace benefit—he calls it an investment in the lives of Murfreesboro’s first responders and the safety of everyone they serve. “This is about caring for the whole firefighter—body and mind—so they can keep protecting this community with everything they’ve got.”

With this initiative, Murfreesboro Fire Rescue is raising the bar in public safety and setting a regional example for how proactive health support can strengthen the very people who stand on the front lines.