Mayor Rawlings-Blake, Fire Chief Ford Thank Under Armour for Firehouse Gym Renovations

Under Armour sponsored renovation of three City gym facilities to improve the health and fitness opportunities for firefighters, EMS providers

BALTIMORE, Md. (October 17, 2014)—Today, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake was joined by Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) Chief Niles R. Ford, firefighters, and EMS providers to thank Under Armour for sponsoring the renovation of three of the department's most used gyms—Thomas J. Burke Fire Station at Oldtown Mall, Steadman Station, and the Fire Training Academy.

The overhauls were completed as part of the Firehouse Renovation Project, an ongoing effort to improve living conditions for members of BCFD, as well as bolster their health and fitness.

"It is critically important that our firefighters and EMS providers maintain a high level of morale and physical fitness," said Mayor Rawlings-Blake. "Thanks to Under Armour and all of our sponsors, the men and women of the BCFD can improve their cardiovascular health and overall strength in new, modern gym facilities and prepare healthier meals in the renovated kitchens."

As part of the project, gym equipment at the Thomas J. Burke Fire Station at Oldtown Mall, Steadman Station, and the Fire Training Academy, was replaced with brand new strength and cardiovascular training equipment. Additionally, the floors and walls were repainted, and new floor mats were installed—all courtesy of Under Armour.

"Hundreds of our members—and all of our cadets—are able to use these beautiful new facilities every day to improve their physical wellbeing," added Chief Ford. "We are filled with pride knowing that our community appreciates and supports our mission to make Baltimore a safer city."

FX Studios, which operates the Under Armour Performance Training Center in Locust Point, has also offered gym memberships to all Baltimore City firefighters and EMS providers.

The Firehouse Renovation Project—which grew from the collaborative efforts of attorney and business leader Ron Shapiro and T. Rowe Price Group Chairman Brian Rogers—is Baltimore's business community's way of expressing their appreciation for the courage and bravery displayed each day by members of BCFD.

In addition to the renovation of the three gym facilities, sponsorships of 18 kitchen upgrades were announced earlier this year as part of the Firehouse Renovation Project.