Cleveland’s finest are looking to get fit.
Nearly 100 officers are pledging to eat right and exercise in the new Divisional Wellness Challenge.
“It’s not there. It’s just not there. There are no requirements,” said Michael McGrath, Cleveland’s chief of police. “And it’s our responsibility as administrators to ensure that we give you that tool, the physical tool to do your jobs.”
The department is asking personnel to commit to the 12-week program. Each person will be a member of one of the 18 teams competing against each other for a better lifestyle.
“It’s something new. I’m looking forward to it,” said Sgt. Carla Ellis. “It’s exciting. “
Ellis has made it her resolution to drop 25 pounds this year. She hopes her team will help her achieve that goal—and more.
“I am going to do it,” Ellis said. “Now having partners, they’re going to give me that push. We’re going to give each other that push. We’re committing to be fit, so we’re going to do it.”
Cleveland chef Rocco Whalen visited the officers during their first day of the challenge.
“I ask you all to make no excuses,” he said to the officers. “Get up every morning for the benefit of yourselves, your team, your families.”
Many are inspired by Whalen, who has been in the national spotlight recently. He’s lost more than 25 percent of his body weight—a whopping 130 pounds—on a TV show.
“It’s the lonely time at the gym,” he said, “when you’re alone and you’re sweating, the cameras are gone and the lights are off, you find out who and what you’re made of.”