Conroe looks at fitness pay for police, firefighters

By Howard Roden in The Courier of Montgomery County
Conroe’s police officers and firefighters may earn physical fitness pay on top of their regular pay if the City Council approves proposed ordinances during its regular meeting Thursday. Council members will discuss the incentive programs during their workshop 2 p.m. today at City Hall, 300 W. Davis.

If approved during the council’s regular meeting Thursday night, city police officers and firefighters may be eligible for additional pay of $100 per month should they meet pre-determined minimum standards. The incentive program could impact an estimated 50 police officers, and up to 83 certified firefighters.

The fire department’s proposed ordinance includes incentive pay at $100 a month, and requires a firefighter to qualify each year on a fiscal year basis. Fire Chief Ken Kreger has requested incentive pay each of the last two fiscal years. “But the budget has been too tight,” he said.

That is why the $98,400 in funding is not being requested until the 2012-2013 fiscal year, Kreger said. “We’ll have the rest of the year to determine our fitness test,” he said, adding that he is considering items such as cardio exercises, flexibility and strength as the overall goals.

Each of the city’s fire stations have cardio and weightlifting equipment, Kreger said.
“The better health our firefighters are in will lead to a reduction in the the number of on-the-job injuries,” he said. Kreger said he will establish a committee to determine the parameters of fitness incentive pay.

Lt. John Riddle is president of the 77-member Conroe Professional Firefighters Association. “The biggest majority of our members are in good shape,” said Lt. John Riddle, president of the 77-member Conroe Professional Firefighters Association. “If this (program) can help a few more with their good health, then it’s an important tool.”
Read entire story here.