I’m Steve Dooley, and my fitness journey started early, at the age of 14, in a Canyon Del Oro High School football gym, surrounded by the clang of weights and the determination to grow stronger. That’s where I fell in love with fitness. It wasn’t just about lifting weights; it was about building a foundation that would carry me through life. By the time I was 20, I had joined the ranks of the fire service, a decision that cemented my dedication to maintaining peak physical conditioning.
My commitment to fitness never waned over my 23-year career. It became more than a personal pursuit; it turned into a calling. As a peer fitness trainer within the fire department, I got the chance to pass on what I’d learned about fitness and nutrition. I wanted my fellow firefighters to be as prepared as I was, to face the intense physical demands of our job with confidence.
The thrill of being able to coach and train others, to see the impact of shared knowledge, was immensely fulfilling. I treasured the role I played in promoting a culture of health and wellness amongst my peers, which was as integral as the operational readiness we maintained.
Advancing to the position of fire captain, I prided myself on leading by example, but despite this, I was not immune to the toll that the occupation inevitably exerts on the body and mind. It was a personal journey filled with paradoxes: despite being ‘in shape’ for the job, I quietly battled with my own fitness and health challenges, which would only become more apparent after my retirement.
The Challenges of a Firefighter’s Lifestyle
Despite the rewarding nature of firefighting, the job itself harbored unspoken challenges that went far beyond the flames we fought. It’s a harsh truth I came to face: while I could carry the weight of others’ emergencies, I struggled under the weight of my own health. On the surface, I was the fire captain who had things under control, but beneath the turnout gear, I was battling the scales.
The reality is that firefighting isn’t just physically demanding; it’s emotionally taxing. We rarely discuss the coping mechanisms we develop to handle the daily stress and trauma of the job. For me, it often meant turning to alcohol and choosing convenience over nutrition. This was my way of dealing with what we saw and did every day, but it came with a cost.
I entered retirement carrying extra weight that was far more than physical. The unhealthy pounds I packed on were symptomatic of the sleepless nights and the stress that I hadn’t managed well. Looking back, I realize the lifestyle I lived as a firefighter – one characterized by unpredictable shifts and the pressure to be constantly on alert – led me to a state of chronic fatigue and unhealthy habits.
There’s an uncomfortable irony here: the firefighter, often hailed as the epitome of strength and resilience, was being slowly eroded by the very life devoted to saving others. It wasn’t until hanging up my helmet that I truly understood the full impact of occupational stress on my body and well-being.
My Personal Transformation Journey
Putting my firefighting gear on the rack for the last time symbolized the end of an era but also marked the beginning of a new chapter in 2020. Coming to terms with my retirement from the fire service, I confronted a reality that was hard to accept: despite having the strength to do my job, I had neglected my own health, leaving me severely overweight and feeling defeated.
It was then that I decided to turn my life around. Embarking on a fat loss journey post-retirement wasn’t just about shedding pounds; it was about regaining control, understanding my body, and rebuilding the resilience I had lost along the way. Step by step, I made changes to my diet and lifestyle, focusing on what truly matters for long-term health and vitality.
Achievements in this transformative phase weren’t marked by the blazing fires I had extinguished but by every pound I shed, every unhealthy habit I broke, and every new milestone of personal strength. The journey was slow, taking about one and a half years to lose over 67 pounds, but it taught me patience and the virtue of consistency.
As I pushed through the difficulties, weighed down by years of entrenched habits, what kept me going was the clarity of my goal: to feel better, to live better. This wasn’t a race; it was a marathon, one where the finish line was my own renewed sense of health and well-being.
Now, standing healthier and more fit than I’ve been in years, I know that the time has come to pass on what I’ve learned. My life’s experiences, both as a firefighter and a retiree, have equipped me with invaluable insights that I believe can make a difference for others.
Giving Back with Forever Fit For Duty
It became clear to me that my story could serve as a beacon of hope and guidance for others facing similar struggles. That realization gave birth to Forever Fit For Duty, a platform dedicated to all my brothers and sisters who served in the fire service and now want to enjoy a long, healthy, and fit retirement.
Through Forever Fit For Duty, I channel my experiences into a program that cuts to the heart of fat loss and fitness for retired firefighters. It’s not just about what I’ve achieved personally but about what we can accomplish together. With shared challenges and shared goals, we forge a path forward.
This endeavor is more than a business; it’s a community where retired heroes can find practical advice, encouragement, and the companionship of fellow fighters looking to regain control of their health. My mission is to support others in overcoming their health challenges, the same way I did, with persistence, knowledge, and a solid plan.
If my journey from an overweight retiree to a health-conscious mentor teaches anything, it’s that transformation is always possible, no matter where you’re starting from. I’m here to guide, inspire, and witness incredible transformations, extending the brotherhood of the fire service into a commitment to personal well-being.
I invite you to join me and become Forever Fit For Duty, because our service may end, but our duty to ourselves and our health never retires.