The Fire Department Committee has approved the Austin Fire Department's request for funds for their proposed physical fitness and health program.

The physical fitness and health program would include health screenings, physical exams, Hepatitis B shots and a Hepatitis booster for a total of $13,600 for all 32 full-time and part-time firefighters or $425 each. That cost, Fire Chief Dan Wilson said, is half of what "someone who just came in off the street" would have to pay.

Wilson explained the AFD had applied for federal grant money to cover the cost of the physical fitness and health program, but that "two weeks ago, we were informed the grant proposal was denied," because of funding cuts the President made.

The tests are vital for the firefighters because "50 percent of deaths in firefighters are … from heart attacks due to stress. There are about 100 per year," Wilson said.

The committee approved the request and will send it to the Finance Committee, which will meet next Tuesday, for further discussion and final approval as to how the program should be funded.

In other Fire Committee business:

n The committee approved the AFD's plan for its Sept. 11 tribute. A special service will be held, beginning at 8:45 a.m. Sept. 11 to commemorate the firefighters killed in the bombings of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

n The committee agreed to allow fire trucks to be used in the procession of today's funeral for former fire chief A. Daniel Miller. "It's an appropriate situation and I think it's fairly common practice," for fire trucks to accompany the processional at the funerals of fallen firefighters, committee chair Jeanne Poppe said.

Amanda L. Rohde can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at :mailto:amanda.rohde@austindailyherald.com