Hudson-based Columbia Memorial Health announced November 20, a new initiative to provide firefighters in Columbia and Greene counties with free annual physicals as a way to honor the volunteers for their service. "We wanted to give our volunteer firefighters something to recognize their service and thank them for what they do for all of us," said CMH Vice President of Medical Services Ronald Pope. "We also wanted to take a more active role in helping them better manage the many health risks they face as firefighters." There has been an increase in firefighter line of duty deaths caused by medical conditions, Pope said. People in seemingly good health can have potentially serious underlying conditions that can be detected, and then treated, thanks to a thorough physical exam. The program began earlier this year and is available at four CMH locations, including Hudson Medical Care, Valatie Rapid Care Center, Copake Rapid Care Center and the Broadway Family Care office in Red Hook. More information at columbiamemorialhealth.com.