FAIRFAX, Va., March 12 -- George Mason University issued the following news release:
With a new grant from Prince William County, George Mason University kinesiology professor Joel Martin is leading a comprehensive yearlong study to uncover whether the Fire and Rescue Department's Work Performance Exam (WPE) truly mirrors the grueling realities of firefighting. By tracking everything from metabolic strain to air consumption, the project aims to refine the test and strengthen the scientific foundation behind firefighter readiness standards.
The WPE is an occupational test to evaluate the fitness of an individual to the level required in firefighting. These functions include donning and securing a complete set of personal protective equipme...