911 dispatchers get treadmill walking desk

BISMARCK, N.D. — Emergency dispatchers in Bismarck can now walk, talk and help save lives.

A treadmill desk was installed at Central Dakota Communications Center October of last year, and is used by over 18 communications specialists daily.

Dispatchers are able to watch the six computer monitors in front of them as they walk on the treadmill while on shift, reported the Bismarck Tribune .

The CenCom has 28 employees that work a combination of eight, 10, and 12 hour shifts. much of that time is spent sitting in front of a desk.

According to Nutrition Services Coordinator at Bismarck-Burleigh Health Katie Jonke, the treadmill helps combat adverse health effects and improve employee wellness.

CenCom is the only department in the city with a treadmill, which they received via grant from the North Dakota Comprehensive Cancer Control and Chronic Disease Programs.

The department tracked employees’ daily step counts and treadmill usage using FitBits to send data to the state’s health department.

Director of CenCom Mike Dannenfelzer said the treadmill was so successful that he plans to purchase a second one.