Michael Contreras

Background

About Michael Contreras

Hands-on Fire Chief who is committed to change the landscape of the fire service equally by personnel and culture. I have proven success with bridging synergy, individual talents, skills and abilities into One Department. My years as a turnaround specialist combined with succession planning based on data has propelled me to mentor numerous men and women into fire service professionals. Proud to serve the residents, citizens and community as a fire service executive professional with 30+ years of experience working with and training firefighting personnel. As the founder of FMS Health and Safety, I formed this company to address individual risk of injury with proven movement-based solutions. Through years of experience as a firefighter (including the Wellness and Fitness Coordinator for Orange County Fire Authority) and years of directing physical training for Fire Academy recruits, years of extensive research, data collection, and analysis of injury and workers' compensation trends, I bring a unique perspective and proven approach to preparing individuals to meet the physical demands their jobs require. Rather than focus on changing the process to fit the thousands of different types of people that must engage in that process, I focus on the individual and prepare them for the process. By assessing the needs of the job and assessing the physical traits and capabilities of the person, the necessary steps can be taken to ensure there is congruity between the two. By helping individuals move well and move efficiently, their risk of injury is diminished, they are more efficient, and their overall health and performance are optimal.