Client Spotlight: Bob Madden - Agile, Mobile, and Hostile

Bob Madden

Battalion Chief Bob Madden understands the physical rigors of fire fighting. Twenty-six years of experience- including 7 years as a smoke jumper- has led to this understanding. Bob Madden, a 17-year veteran of the Bend Fire Department (BFD), accepts the physical elements of the job, as well as the external obligations associated with his career. “The public puts their trust in us (fire fighters) being able to do our job. We have an obligation to be in shape,” states Madden.

Fire fighting is a job that carries a high potential for injury. The nature of the job can put even the most experienced personnel in harms way. One inherent fact about fire fighting is the quick call to action. “You go from zero activity to full activity in the blink of an eye,” comments Madden.

How does physical fitness fit into this scenario? Just ask Madden. “The more physically fit you are – the better the chance you have to handle the physical demands. You will also be more mentally alert - which helps with the various fatigue issues.”

The need for fire fighter fitness and regular participation in exercise seems obvious. Are current national fire personnel fitness practices adequate to meet the demands? Madden answers this question by saying, “The number one killer of fire fighters is heart attack. That should tell you something!” Fitness standards are determined by individual departments. Madden wouldn’t mind seeing standardized national fitness requirements. “Peer pressure can be a great motivator – because you don’t want to be the weak link in your crew. But there needs to be something more,” states Madden.

Madden feels that fire fighters are doing the job of protecting the public but thinks more could be done to protect the fire fighter. According to Madden, mandatory fitness performance standards would go a long way in the prevention of fire fighter heart attack and injury. Because national fitness standard do not exists, Madden sees the fitness issue as being a “two-way street.” One way is for “Fire fighters to police themselves (in terms of fitness),” says Madden. The second means is for “Administration to recognize that the most expensive resource they have is the fire fighters. And the best utilization of time – during a 24 hour shift – is time allowed for physical training.”

According to BFD Captain Randy Olson, Madden is a perfect role model in terms of fitness. “We have all heard Bob say when it comes to fighting fire, you need to be agile, mobile, and hostile. He not only incorporates that attitude in fighting fires – but also in his commitment to his fitness,” comments Olson.

So how does Madden stay in shape? He averages 4 to 5 aerobic sessions a week, weight trains most shift day, and has a pull up bar in his garage.

Fitness is a way of life for the Madden family. Bob and his wife (Maria) have taught their sons Pat (11) and Joe (14) that television IS NOT a primary method of entertainment. Free time for the Madden family is centered around some form of activity….and the Maddens do not lack for variety. Their boys started out swimming and are now avid Nordic skiers. As a family, the Maddens ski and bicycle together and they have recently started surfing. You better be in shape if you are tagging along on a Madden family vacation.

The Madden Family: Joe, Maria, Pat & Bob

Bob Madden is committed to fitness. Not only does he stay fit for his family – he also does it for his job and the taxpayer. As Bob Madden puts it, “There is no room for a slug on the fire line.”