About 35 members of the Alexandria Fire Department from firefighters to office workers participated in a military-style formation run Tuesday morning, unhampered by the early thunderstorms.

The run was part of Chief Adam Thiels larger goal to increase physical fitness and teamwork as strong-held characteristics of his department. The three-mile run, complete with boot camp-like cadences, began at the departments training academy in Old Town and proceeded down Eisenhower Avenue with Chief Thiel and battalion chiefs leading the way.

The biggest thing is that the department heads are leading the way in fitness, Battalion Chief Chet Helms said. I think our fitness levels are coming from the top to help inspire folks, which is important.