FEMA's guidelines allow such measures.

The grants "support the wellness and fitness needs of firefighters. And that's been authorized in a congressionally enacted statute," said FEMA spokeswoman Alexandra Kirin.

Hialeah Fire Rescue used $88,083 from a 2002 grant to buy seven step machines, seven treadmills and a Nautilus weight machine.

"We bought things that were eligible under the grant," said Hialeah Fire Chief Otto Drozd.

"Homeland Security doesn't mean anything unless you have the people in condition to do it."

In Pompano Beach, $220,000 was spent on fitness equipment for a wellness program, training and physical exams.

"I would say it's not a luxury because if our firefighters are not fit enough and don't maintain their fitness levels," they can become sick, Assistant Pompano Fire Chief John Jurgle told WFOR investigative reporter Stephen Stock.

Stock said he came up with the grant amounts through a combination of numbers given to him by Homeland Security and the cities' fire rescue departments for the years 2002 through 2006.

Fort Lauderdale firefighters were aided with a $292,930 grant by FEMA in 2003. With at least part of that money they bought weight machines, treadmills and exercise equipment.

Broward County firefighters have $86,410 worth of weight machines, treadmills and exercise equipment that were paid for by federal money that FEMA sent to the former Lauderdale Lakes fire department. The equipment was actually purchased in 2004.

The county has since taken over the former Lauderdale Lakes department.

Broward Fire Rescue Chief Jospeh Lello said most firefighters die from heart attacks.

"So it's a grave concern. We need firefighters in the best shape that they can be," he told Stock.

Written by Miami Herald