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two recruit classes are hired, the Fire Department will achieve its filling of <br />vacancies. <br />Commissioner Matsuda questioned what was involved in taking the physical <br />agility test. <br />Chief Oliveira stated that there were four performance-tested events that are <br />timed. These events are administered as a pass or fail test. These events <br />include a Swimming test, a Weight Drag test, a Hose Bundle Carry test, and an <br />Endurance Run test. <br />Commissioner Browne questioned whether the current members of the Fire <br />Department were asked to perform these activities occasionally. <br />ChiefOliveirastatedthattheHCFDhasnotdevelopedare-qualification <br />program; it is part of their peer fitness program. The department would like to <br />implement a standardized physical agility test such as the (CPAT) Candidate <br />Physical Agility Test. This test deals with work related skills and is used by many <br />departments to re-certify their personnel. <br />Commissioner Okabe asked whether other departments around the country were <br />administering a re-certification program. <br />Chief Oliveira replied that it was being administered on the island of Oahu, as a <br />peer fitness program. However, getting a fitness program together is not easy. It <br />is very structured and requires physician oversight. The peer fitness program is <br />designed to help each individual meet a particular benchmark based on their <br />ability, rather than comparing it to your peer. Also, the Union and the National <br />Association of the Fire Chiefs endorse this program because it is designed to <br />promote success through practice, preparation, and training. <br />Commissioner Okabe asked how often the peer fitness program was <br />administered. <br />Chief Oliveira stated that on the island of Oahu, it is an ongoing event and the <br />employees meet benchmarks at different times of the year. The program is set <br />up for each employee. <br />Commissioner Okabe questioned whether there were any physical assessments <br />administered to firefighters once they were hired by the County of HawaiŠi. <br />Chief Oliveira stated they do require medical physicals and perform company <br />drills, at which time, the company officer should monitor whether an individual is <br />experiencing any physical limitations. <br />7 <br /> <br />