BOISE — Ethan Ellis is a senior at One Stone High School in Boise who’s aspiring to be a first responder. He’s already earned his EMT certification -- and, in his free time, has organized the Tri-Fit Challenge, a community event to help increase awareness of Post Traumatic Stress Injury and other mental health challenges among First Responders.
The Tri-Fit Challenge Saturday brought CrossFit gyms together to hold three separate workouts for people.
"PTSI and mental health, for first responders, is incredibly important," said Ellis. "Through exhaustion, we will get to the true authentic reflection on mental health."
In this case, it's safe to say that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Jake Ellis, Ethan’s father, served with the Boise Fire Department for 27 years, before retiring as a battalion chief in 2014.
Jake Ellis went on to become a State legislator. In fact, this past session, he helped pass a law that allows first responders to receive workman's comp coverage for those suffering from PTSI and other mental health illnesses.
Verdant CrossFit, Snake River CrossFit, and personal trainer Tyler Couch each took a station to help the Tri-Fit Challenge take place.
Frank Beauvais is a captain with the Nampa Fire Department. He also started Snake River CrossFit with his wife -- and was happy to help Ellis with the first-ever Tri-Fit Challenge.
"I've experience some of these issues," said Beauvais. "So the opportunity to work with Ethan on this was a no-brainer."
