Photo: Captain Brody Fields
The Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA) is proud to announce the appointment of Captain Brody Fields as the new Health and Safety Officer (HSO). This role underscores the organization’s commitment to the well-being of its personnel and the community it serves, marking a significant milestone in CAFMA’s ongoing efforts to enhance health, safety, and overall wellness.
Captain Fields brings extensive experience and dedication to this new position. With a strong background in firefighter safety and wellness programs, he is well-equipped to manage a comprehensive range of initiatives aimed at supporting the physical and mental health of CAFMA employees. These programs include the peer fitness program, annual physicals, cancer prevention and monitoring initiatives, respiratory protection, personal protective equipment (PPE) inspections, and the maintenance of fitness equipment. In addition to managing these critical areas, the HSO will play a crucial role in developing and instructing courses on health, fitness, and safety, as well as acting as a liaison between CAFMA and its mental health oversight and peer support teams.
A Commitment to Health and Safety
The establishment of this new HSO position is another step forward in CAFMA’s commitment to its personnel. Captain Fields will work closely with Battalion Chiefs to coordinate yearly physicals and fitness testing, ensuring all personnel are in peak condition to respond to emergencies. His role in identifying and addressing safety risks and trends will be crucial in reducing accidents and injuries within the department.
With a focus on cancer prevention, Captain Fields will manage and guide members through illness and injury, provide critical cancer and injury prevention information, and oversee necessary screenings. His leadership will further advance CAFMA’s efforts to mitigate the risks associated with firefighting, a profession known for its high exposure to carcinogens and other health hazards.
Supporting Mental Wellness and Resilience
Beyond physical health, Captain Fields will play an important role in promoting mental wellness. Collaborating with CAFMA’s Peer Support Lead, he will ensure all aspects of employee safety and well-being are addressed, including critical incident stress management and post-incident analysis. This holistic approach reflects CAFMA’s recognition of the importance of mental health in maintaining a resilient and effective firefighting force.
A Vision for the Future
Reflecting on his new role, Captain Fields said, “I am honored to take on the responsibility of Health and Safety Officer for CAFMA. My goal is to build on the strong foundation that has already been established, and to continue advancing the health and safety programs that protect our people well into retirement. By focusing on both physical and mental wellness, we can make sure that our team is not only prepared to serve the community but also supported in every aspect of their lives. I am passionate about these topics and excited to contribute to the future of CAFMA.”
A Legacy of Progress
CAFMA has made major strides in enhancing the health and safety of its personnel over the years. The introduction of the HSO, led by Captain Fields, is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at keeping CAFMA at the forefront of firefighter wellness and safety.
“CAFMA has always been dedicated to protecting our community, and that starts with protecting our own,” said CAFMA Fire Chief Scott Freitag. “This position has been in the works for a while, and Captain Fields’ expertise and passion for firefighter wellness make him the perfect choice for this role. His leadership will be key to ensuring our firefighters are healthy, safe, and ready to serve.”
As CAFMA continues to evolve, Captain Fields will be central to safeguarding both its personnel and the community. His appointment exemplifies CAFMA’s proactive approach to addressing the challenges of modern firefighting and its commitment to the health and safety of its team.
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ABOUT CAFMA
The Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA) provides emergency services and all hazards response for 369 square miles of Yavapai County, Arizona, including the towns of Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Dewey-Humboldt, areas of Paulden, and outlying areas of Prescott.
