Currently, firefighters experience higher occupational fatalities due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) than persons in any other profession (Kay et. al., 2001). It is also well documented that at least half of the CVD risk factors are lifestyle related (CDC, 2003). In addition, and according to the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) (2002), in the late 1980’s, a career firefighter could “expect” to die within 2 years after retirement (average retirement age, 55). While historical efforts have had moderate success in addressing firefighter health status (Cady, 1985), current strategies (i.e. IAFF’s national health promotion program) are under-evaluated. It is clear that much needs to be done to improve firefighter wellness levels. In the summer of 2002, wellness professionals at UNLV’s Center for Health Promotion were contracted by the City of North Las Vegas, Nevada to create, conduct, and evaluate a wellness and fitness program for all personnel in the North Las Vegas Fire Department (NLVFD). The PRECEDE Model (Kreuter & Green) was used to guide the initial evaluation of the NLVFD. After completing a thorough literature review, an initial questionnaire was completed by 120 fire service personnel to assess current self-reported health and wellness status, as well as knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes regarding issues related to firefighter fitness and wellness; both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Focus groups were also conducted with all personnel. Descriptive statistics were used to identify findings in the seven categories of the PRECEDE Model; a modified Miles and Huberman process was used to analyze the qualitative data - investigators individually, then collectively, coded, categorized, summarized, and evaluated the data. Evaluation using the the PRECEDE Model yielded several notable findings, including: desired quality of life issues - job performance, non-job-related quality of life, and post-retirement longevity; corporate culture represents a paramilitary organizational structure; conflict regarding on-site versus off-site workout opportunities; serious concerns regarding confidentiality of data and possible repercussions for poor fitness evaluations; issues of trust between line, labor, and union personnel; and specific injury patterns among firefighters. Researchers will present and discuss the results of both the quantitative and qualitative evaluations, as well as implications of these findings for program design and implementation. This session will offer attendees greater understanding of the current self-reported status of firefighter health and wellness and of the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of fire service personnel regarding a variety of issues related to fitness and wellness programming through the workplace.Keyword(s): health promotion, measurement/evaluation, worksite