If you're new here, we're the First Responders Support Training (FRST) Center, and we're dedicated to promoting health and wellness for first responders statewide. This month, we will share additional focus group information, NVFC conference recap, nutrition tips, first hand field perspectives, strengh based resources, and more. Thank you for joining us this month -- we are excited to have you here!
Fall 2025 Focus Groups
As we continue in the second phase of our FEMA grant, our team is looking forward to conducting our first focus group in just under two weeks! We look forward to gaining input and perspectives from volunteer firefighters in the field to further understand the current needs and resources of this population.
Focus Group #1: South Dakota Firefighters Association 2025 Fall Conference
and Membership Meeting When: Friday, October 10th – Sunday, October 12th 2025
Where: Holiday Inn Convention Center, Spearfish, SD
FRST Center's Principal Investigator, Allie Barry, PhD, presented at the NVFC 2025 Fall Board Conference last month. View images from the event and check out her statement below!
“I’m grateful to the South Dakota Firefighters Association for recommending me to present my work with the volunteer fire service at the NVFC Fall Board Conference. I enjoyed meeting with the Health, Safety, and Training Committee and learning more about national initiatives. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with the people I met."
NVFC Step Strong Challenge
National Volunteer Fire Council's Step Strong Challenge begins today, October 1st, and ends on Friday, October 31st. Enjoy some healthy competition with your fellow first responders across the country and earn chances to win prizes for reaching challenge goals. Check out the button below for more information!
Law Enforcement, Fire Departments, and EMS responders check out the link below for information on applying for a Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant.
Check out the quote below for a supportive message from Rick George, SD Firefighter's Association board member and 2nd Asst Chief of the T & C Fire Department in Woonsocket, SD.
"This study is a rare opportunity to shape the future of the volunteer fire service and make us better at what we signed up to do. We need to fully support this study. Do it for your fellow firefighters, do it for your community, but most of all, do it for your family."
Nutrition Column
Check out the flyer below from the FRST Center’s registered dietitian, Dr. Shoemaker! This month’s focus is on incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your daily routine with easy on-the-go snacks, portion recommendations, and tips on choosing between fresh, canned, and frozen options.
This month’s column features a 3-day total-body push/pull training template you can download to your mobile device. Following ACSM guidelines of 2–3 weekly resistance sessions, the program includes exercises, sets, and reps with 4 weeks of progressions to help you start, mix up, or advance your routine. Read the template top-to-bottom (days 1–3) and left-to-right (weeks 1–4).
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.
