Fitness gurus employed by the Sun City West Fire District owe a debt of gratitude to fellow firefighter Bill Marshall.

Marshall, an engineer and 20-year district veteran, spent a good part of the last four months renovating the district's fitness center. He was honored at the regular fire board meeting Thursday for his contributions and efforts on the project, which included the transformation of the old administration building behind Station 101 into the new fitness center.

"The fire board wants to recognize (Marshall) for his dedication, commitment to the completion of this fitness center," said board Chairman Dusty Rhodes. "Engineer Marshall contributed many hours of intense, focused labor to refurbishing the facility and greatly contributed to its (function) and attractiveness.

"The fire district has many personnel willing to go above and beyond every day requirements of their job. Engineer Marshall is definitely one of those committed individuals."

Marshall spearheaded the renovation effort, which included removal of carpeting and installation of rubberized flooring, removal of cabinetry and walls dividing the interior of the building and installation of a new lighting system and ceiling grids.

The effort Marshall employed in the project is something district officials have come to expect of him, Deputy Chief Jim Heger said.

"He just gives 100 percent every day," he said. "He's always been like that."

Heger said without Marshall volunteering his time for the project labor, the district would likely still be without a fitness center.

"We would've had to pay somebody," Heger said. "Money got a little tight, we had some unexpected costs, so we were going to hold off on this for a while."

Marshall said he was happy to help out with the renovation.

"I made a fitness center because I wanted to create a place where (district personnel) could come to and work out and be physically fit," he said.

The district recently purchased four cardiovascular machines for the fitness center, which Marshall said still has a few further improvements.

Erin Turner may be reached at 623-876-2522 or eturner@yourwestvalley.com.