The 4th Shift is the time we invest in our profession, home life, and personal development. It is the extra, the above and beyond, and everyone is welcome to be part of it.
The tactics and strategies of 4th Shift Firefighter are rooted in lessons learned in the fire service but constantly evolving to meet the needs of todays first responder.
Bring the 4th Shift to your department
On Site Presentations
-Firefighter fitness
-Injury reduction
-Sustainable firefighter nutrition
-The four pillars of firefighter wellness
are just a few of the topics that have been presented. A blend of didactic and hands on is used to get the messages and lessons to your people. These topics are also available for digital or remote presentations
Digital Training & Coaching
Firefighting is a contact occupation and requires a level of capacity that does not come naturally. Fitness plans and coaching options for individuals or groups are available. Plans are personalized to meet the needs and limitations of the person, crew, or facility.
About Chris
My name is Chris Marella and I am the creator and owner of 4th Shift Firefighter. I began the company to positively impact the fire service through education and training. My goal is to reach as many departments and individuals as possible to inspire, educate or coach through their career.
I’ve been in the fire service since 2003, starting out as a part time/POC, then contract medic, and being hired full time since 2008. In that span I was a competitive athlete playing Junior Hockey in the suburbs of Chicago, a personal trainer since 2012, a member of the Firefighter Combat Challenge Grand National Championship team and promoted to Lieutenant in Nov of 2020.
It was all of these factors that led me to create 4th Shift Firefighter. The lessons and methods of 4th Shift Firefighter are rooted in lessons learned in the fire service but constantly evolving to meet the needs of first responders. By hosting the Tailboard Talks Firefighter Podcast, and traveling to departments and conferences to deliver purposeful, practical and useable content, I hope to positively impact the careers of many firefighters. The 4th Shift is truly for firefighters by firefighters, with the focus on becoming more capable and durable on the job and away from it.