GONZALES — Last week, the Gonzales Fire Department received cardio equipment from Planet Fitness to help its firefighters stay fit and resist cardiac arrest, a leading cause of death among firefighters. 

Organizers of the donation said that the Planet Fitness treadmills and other machines will directly support the high-intensity, functional endurance local first responders need in real-world emergencies.

Firefighters picked up the equipment from Planet Fitness in Baton Rouge along Airline Highway on Aug. 12.