If you're new here, welcome to the First Responders Support Training (FRST) Center. We’re dedicated to promoting health and wellness for first responders across the state. In this month’s edition, we’re sharing updates on the Science to the Station conference, external collaborators, first responders in the field, podcast spotlight, holiday nutrition tips, and strength-based resources. Thank you for joining us—we’re excited to have you here!
Thank you
As we move further into the holiday season, we wanted to take a moment to say thank you to all of you who serve in tactical roles, as well as those who dedicate your work to supporting tactical populations every day. The work you do truly matters, and the world wouldn’t be the same without your dedication and willingness to show up for others.
We also want to take time to remember those who have fallen in the line of duty. Their selfless service stays with us, and as we reflect, we’re reminded why our goal is so important: to serve the people who serve all of us.
Science to the Station Conference
Allison Barry, PhD, principal investigator of the FRST Center, and Marni Shoemaker, PhD, FRST Center dietitian, recently traveled to Colorado to attend and present at the Science to the Station Conference. They had an incredible experience connecting, learning, and sharing the work happening at the FRST center. Check out the photos and Dr. Barry's statement below!
"I had the opportunity to present at the Science to the Station Conference on data my team is collecting in the South Dakota Volunteer Fire Service. After attending this conference, I was reminded how lucky I am to work with wonderful individuals in the Fire Service as well as the rockstar researchers who work endlessly to improve health and wellness for our firefighters. Additionally, we had the opportunity to visit the Human Performance Clinical Research Laboratory at Colorado State University."
North Dakota State University’s Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences Assistant Professor, Dr. Nathan Dicks, has been a huge supporter of our work and a valued external collaborator. His research also focuses on tactical populations, making his partnership especially meaningful to the mission of the FRST Center. Check out his statement below!
"Participating in this project has deepened my understanding of the unique challenges volunteer firefighters face across South Dakota. Hearing their stories helps us better understand what they need to maintain their health and wellness. This is what makes this work meaningful: it’s not about a one-size-fits-all program but about creating solutions that reflect the realities of small to mid-sized, rural departments where volunteers balance family, full-time jobs, and community service. As both a faculty member/researcher and a member of the National Guard, I relate closely to this situation. What excites me most is the potential for this research to unlock more resources and support. Rural departments often face limited time and funding, but by identifying policies, obstacles, and needs early on, we can build a strong case for future investments. Although focused on South Dakota, the needs are similar in North Dakota and western Minnesota, so the benefits could extend well beyond one state. Supporting first responders is crucial because their health impacts both their safety and that of their communities. Understanding their challenges and providing meaningful, accessible resources is essential to community well-being."
First Responders in the Field
Read the statement below from Brookings EMT Garret Kerkvliet, a former SDSU student who continues to make an impact in the field and is now seeing firsthand how our research is making a difference in his work.
"Improving the health and overall well-being of EMS and first responders is important due to the demands of emergency care that require us to perform at a high physical and mental level. Research that addresses sedentary time and physical activity in EMS has the potential to reduce injuries, improve patient-care interaction, and enhance career longevity."
Podcast Spotlight
Host of the “The Professional Volunteer Fire Department" podcast sponsored by Fire Engineering Podcast network, Tom Merill, a 41-year fire department veteran out of Amherst, New York invited Dr. Allison Barry to talk about her work in volunteer fire service in the state of South Dakota. Check out the podcast lead by Dr. Barry's discussion on Empowering Volunteer Firefighters: Enhancing Health, Fitness, and Longevity.
Click the button below to view our nutrition flyer featuring Healthy Holiday Eating Tips, healthier treat ideas, smart food choices, and a holiday pumpkin bread recipe. Check it out and try adding some of these tips into your busy holiday schedule!
In this months Strength Column, we are sharing the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s (NSCA) Strength Matters Infographic. It highlights the evidence-based practice that the FRST Center Strength Lab follows to provide the most up-to-date and innovative training and programming strategies. It provides a standard of practice as well as some reference materials that showcase the support from the current literature. Should you find yourself interested in reading a certain article feel free to reach out to Strength Coach Daughters for a full PDF version. He can be reached at seth.daughters@sdstate.edu.
The start of the new year is just around the corner! January is quickly approaching, and we're excited to kick off the new year with a CHALLENGE! The FRST Center will provide some friendly competition to initiate and promote healthy habits. Challenges will be announced in the January Newsletter with a full gamut of challenges, activities, and AWARDS! Be sure to check back in next month!
Center Website
Don’t miss out—explore the FRST Center website today for previous newsletters, updates, expert tips, and resources designed to keep you strong, healthy, and ready for the job. Everything you need, all in one place.
If you or someone you know wants to be added to stay up-to-date with the latest news scan the QR code or click on this web address, Redcap Listserv, and enter this code: 4EW883FJL.
Stay Tuned For Our Next Newsletter
New Year Strength Challenge
Stress Management Tips
NSCA Conference recap
SDState School of Health and Human Sciences, 1060 Campanile Ave., Box 2275A, Brookings, SD 57007
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