A Memory Better Than Any Medal

Rick Roman has been a New York City firefighter since 2006, and he quickly recognized the need to stay in top shape for his job. “We're very tactical and aggressive in New York City,” he says. “To get on top of an apartment building you have to be fit, and at the end of the day you got to go home. I have a family. The other person has a family. It ends up becoming an honor code.”

 In 2010, Rick was led to CrossFit and found his favorite workout. Rick became the founder and president of FDNY CrossFit, and he eagerly competed when the gruelling multi-task event was added to the 2015 World Police & Fire Games in Fairfax, Virginia. His best result through four Games is a Silver medal in the Men’s Individual 35-39 group in 2019, but as much as Rick desires Gold, he finds equal inspiration being among his peers and staying fit.

“The founder of Crossfit, Greg Glassman, figured out that the prescription is to do those things that the body responds to best,” Rick explains. “Also, it’s done in a communal environment where you build friendships with other people who are going through what you're going through. It's mutual suffering!”

Rick had an otherworldly moment at the Crossfit competition in Winnipeg in 2023. “We competed for our friend and fellow firefighter Dave Strauss from Ontario Fire who had passed away from COVID. The final workout was called Six Feet Under in his honor.” Rick felt a lift when he performed the Bar Muscle Ups, a workout he considered a personal weakness.  

“I ended up getting eight muscle ups out of nowhere, a personal record,” he says with wonder still in his voice. “I was like, ‘Man, I never do that. Dave must be here.’ And that, sir, is worth more than gold. You don't need a medal if you have that memory.”

Rick’s goal is to bring ten athletes to Birmingham and says it’s a special experience. “I keep going back because it’s a community of first responders that are representing their station and their department. It's so good when you go to the athlete village and look back on the memories of training and wearing your brand.”

He was looking to take on additional competitions in Birmingham like Toughest Competitor Alive and Trap Shooting, but breaking news from the home front has altered his plans.

“I just found out that my wife is pregnant with identical twin boys, and I was told by her in no uncertain terms, ‘You can do the CrossFit event and then you're expected to get home.’ I can take the heat of a fire, but I don't want the heat at home!” 

By Del Moon