One day, Pinnacle Fit Clubs’ general manager, Mike Woolsey, received a phone call from the Clinton Fire Department. Hayes Nix, a firefighter at the Clinton Fire Department, inquired about cardio equipment he could provide to his fellow firefighters. Luckily for Nix and the fire department, the Planet Fitness® club in Byram, Mississippi, was scheduled for a re-equip.

Woolsey reached out to Byram’s general manager, Cedric Crowell, and from there, the initiative grew even further. Crowell decided to give back not only to the Clinton Fire Department but also to the Byram Fire Department, Hinds County Emergency Management and the Jackson Police Department.

“Once [Pinnacle Fit Clubs] knew we had solid cardio equipment becoming available from the Byram re-equip, Cedric [Crowell] proactively reached out to other local agencies. He started with the Byram Fire Department through Chief Harry Horton and then extended the opportunity to additional departments after Fireman Hayes from Clinton expressed a strong need,” said Murphee Pellman, director of marketing at Pinnacle Fit Clubs. “Crowell’s initiative turned what could have been a simple single-agency donation into a broader effort that helped multiple first responder groups. He personally coordinated site visits, measurements and equipment selection so everything fit their spaces perfectly.”

The Clinton Fire Department received four ClimbMills, six treadmills, four ellipticals and four recumbent bikes. The Byram Fire Department took two treadmills and two ellipticals. Hinds County Emergency Management obtained one treadmill, one elliptical and one recumbent bike. The Jackson Police Department received 12 Ascent Trainers and 10 step-up platforms. All equipment provided came solely from the Byram club.

The donation to first responders was a no-brainer for the franchise group. “It means everything to us. These men and women run toward danger when the rest of us run away, and they do it day after day. Being able to support them with equipment that helps them stay fit and ready to serve is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do,” Pellman said. “It reinforces our belief that we’re more than just a gym – we’re part of the community, and we want to give back to the people who protect it.”

Volunteers from the local club, alongside the first responders, moved and set up the equipment smoothly. Almost immediately, the equipment was put to use, providing a big morale boost and lots of smiles.

“The first responders were excited to get quality equipment that they could put to immediate use, and they’ve continued to express their gratitude every time they come through the club,” Pellman said. “For our team, seeing their faces light up and knowing the equipment is helping keep our local heroes strong made the whole effort worthwhile. It was a true win-win.”

It was a reminder that some great initiatives start with a simple phone call.