Fall 2021 Hometown Messenger

PUBLIC SAFETY Fire and Fitness Shakopee Fire teams up with Parks and Recreation to reduce injuries and improve fitness Physical fitness is important for everyone, but it’s especially important if you’re expected to run into a burning building to save lives. Although physical fitness has always been important to Shakopee Fire Department, the transition from on-call to shift work has allowed leadership in the department to require one hour of physical fitness training per shift.

“We always advocated for some form of physical fitness, but many needed extra guidance and a fitness plan,” said Deputy Chief Joe Simon. “The request for a physical fitness instructor to assist was actually brought up by firefighters during our annual review.” Enter TaRon Squires, a personal trainer with Shakopee Parks and Recreation. Squires, who has over a decade of experience with personal fitness, was the obvious choice to help establish a training regimen for the fire department. “Firefighters risk their lives every day to keep the city safe,” said Squires. “I hope they can take the time to make sure their health is a priority.” Squires worked with the fire department to develop a plan that is accessible to all department members, while ensuring each staff member is challenged. During seven sessions, Squires outlined an hour-long exercise program each firefighter can complete during their shift at the fire station.

Top: Firefighter Correy Murray pulls a heavy mannequin with a rope. Bottom: TaRon Squires smiles, while working with fire staff.

“The best thing about my fitness program is that any person can take the workout and adjust accordingly to their fitness levels,” Squires explained. “The exercises are designed to improve mobility, full-body fitness and core stability.” These factors are crucial to the overall health of Shakopee Firefighters, who are constantly putting their bodies on the line in the case of an emergency. “The firefighters provided some great feedback from this program. Some realized that they could be pushing themselves a little harder, and others learned exercises that are specifically designed to the work they perform,” Simon said. “The program increases their physical fitness and readiness and also builds confidence, which reduces injuries.” Additionally, the city didn’t need to make an outside hire to help with the training program; Squires was already available to help. “The Fire Department assists other departments quite regularly through events and services,” Simon explained. “When Parks and Recreation was approached, they were more than willing to lend a hand, and TaRon is extremely knowledgeable and qualified for the assignment.” With Squire’s plan in place, Shakopee firefighters have a new option for training that keeps them strong and ready to tackle any challenge they might encounter in the field.

NEWS & NOTES Police department to exceed sworn staffing levels The City Council has authorized the police department to exceed its sworn staffing levels. Currently, the department is authorized to employ 50 sworn officers, but the department is expecting multiple vacancies beginning in January of 2022 due to retirements. Police Chief Jeff Tate requested the hiring of several new officers to replace any vacancies created by retirement. Those officers will be hired this summer and will complete all Shakopee Police training by early 2022.

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