Washington Fire Fighter Wins Bodybuilding Competition

April 6, 2007— A six-year veteran fire fighter from Washington State has placed first overall in the National Physique Committee (NPC) Vancouver Natural 2007 Bodybuilding Championships, held March 31, 2007. Richland, WA Local 1052 member and former Hanford Local I-24 member Joe DeRousie has been bodybuilding for 11 years, but this is the first time that he has won first place in an overall competition.

“DeRousie is not only a dedicated sports competitor, but he is also committed to the fire service and the union,” says IAFF 7th District Vice President Ricky Walsh. “Our work as fire fighters and union members strengthens our union and profession. I am very proud of his accomplishment.”

DeRousie says, “I really appreciate the support that my union has given me as I’ve trained, especially with the special diet and fitness training I needed while I was preparing to compete.”

DeRousie, who rides tailboard with Walsh’s engine company, became a serious athlete as a baseball player in college. “I lifted weights then as part of my team training,” he says, “and kept lifting even after I stopped playing.”

After college, he competed in many weightlifting competitions, placing from fifth to first place in his division, but didn’t win any overall competitions until the NPC Vancouver Natural 2007 Bodybuilding Championship.

“I’m going to do one more competition, and then I want to concentrate on the fire service, my union and my upcoming marriage,” DeRousie says, who will continue to stay fit and eat right. “Those two things have really helped me be a better fire fighter,” he continues. “From the physical demands of carrying equipment to maneuvering patients during medical emergencies – my athletic training has helped in every aspect.”

In addition to his duties as a fire fighter, DeRousie is also serving his first year as a trustee for Local 1052.