Firefighting is widely acknowledged to be one of the most physically demanding and hazardous of all civilian occupations (O’Connell, Thomas, Cady, & Karwasky, 1986). The events of recent years, such as the terrorist acts of September 11, 2001, have placed a spotlight on the varied occupational demands and dangers of firefighting. A study by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reveals that about ½ of all line-of-duty deaths by firemen were not the result of fires, but heart attacks; these were linked to the exertional demands of the job. Historically, efforts have had moderate success in addressing firefighter health status (Cady, 1985). 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/fitness program for the North Las Vegas Fire Department. This presentation reports on comparisons of the fitness assessments of 134 fire service personnel from three data collection points: a) Fall 2002, b) Summer 2003, and c) Spring 2004. Tests measured a) range of motion of joints, b) body composition, c) muscle strength, d) muscle endurance, and e) cardiovascular endurance. Researchers are interested in answering specific questions including: a) what are firefighter initial fitness levels; b) do firefighter fitness levels change over time, if so, to what degree; c) what are cadet initial fitness levels, how do they compare to seasoned firefighters; d) are there differences among firefighter personnel fitness levels based on various demographic characteristics; e) does level of participation in worksite wellness programs influence fitness levels over time? Changes across time are measured via mixed model repeated measures analysis of variance. Within-group measures include the various, aforementioned measures completed time and again by the firefighters. Through these analyses, individual firefighters’ and groups’ benefits are tracked and current assessments compared to previous assessments. Initial results indicate that firefighters: as a group, have above-average fitness levels; have below-average flexibility scores, with particularly poor results in shoulder flexibility; have below-average abdominal strength and endurance; demonstrate shoulder and back injuries more often that other injuries; exhibit differences in fitness levels between line and administrative personnel; levels of fitness improve in relationship to participation in wellness activities; location of participation does not influence change in level of fitness. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the fitness status of firefighters in the NLVFD and the relationship between worksite wellness programming and fitness levels. Keyword(s): exercise/fitness, health promotion, wellness/disease prevention