It’s no secret that police work can be dangerous, but what many don’t know is that the majority of law enforcement-related deaths are from heart issues.
The number of law enforcement deaths from heart attacks has risen considerably over the years, according to the Officer Down Memorial website. More than 70 on-duty officers across the nation have died as a result of a heart attack since 2015.
Columbia Police Chief Michael Kelly said he wanted to do everything he could to avoid such a tragedy so the department developed “Fit for Duty.”
The program gives any Columbia Police Department employee a free membership to Fitness Depot in Columbia and access to a trainer, meal plans, a chaplain and a certified marriage and family counselor.
“Our officers can serve our community best if they are in the best shape physically, mentally and emotionally. Our community has invested in us to be the best we can be so it was time we invested in our officers,” Kelly said.
“Being healthy means a sound body and mind, and that’s what our employees have access to through this program,” said Jenn Bass, who will serve as a fitness trainer for the police department.
Bass will also assist the officers and staff members with meal plans based on their fitness goals. The workouts focus on a variety of things, such as strength, agility and muscle building.
“Our goal with this program is to change the culture and have the best officers on the street that we can possibly provide. Healthy officers also means healthy families,” Kelly said.
The response has brought four full-time officers and a couple of part-timers to work out each morning before work.
“We’re happy a few are taking advantage of this program, and we hope once they see the changes in the other officers that they will want to sign up immediately,” Kelly said.
Pictured Above: Justin Corley, Jenn Bass and Police Chief Michael Kelly of the Columbia Police Department works out at Fitness Depot as part of the “Fit for Duty” program. It provides any Columbia Police Department employee a free gym membership and access to a trainer, meal plans, a chaplain and a certified marriage and family counselor. | Photo by Brandi Perry
