GRPD invites Community to join them in physical training exercises

April 21, 2017

Thomas R. Throssell

Gila River Indian News

In the early morning hours of the workweek, finding the motivation to strap on a pair of running shoes for a jog can test even the most stalwart runner’s willpower.

But now that the Gila River Police Department is reaching out to Gila River Indian Community members to put on their running shoes and join them for physical training (PT) exercises, those looking to get back into shape are not alone in their pursuit of fitness.

Over the next several months the GRPD is holding bi-monthly PT exercise events as a part of their Recruit Orientation Program, which is not just open to aspiring GRPD recruits but to anyone interested in getting healthy and fit. The next GRPD PT exercise event will be held at Sacaton Middle School’s running track on April 22 at 7 a.m.

GRPD Sgt. Paul Maroney, who is organizing the PT exercise events, said they are inviting the public to their PT events to help create more awareness that GRPD officers are not just out there arresting bad guys, they are also promoting a positive healthy lifestyle within the Community.

“This PT program is for people who want to become GRPD officers, however it is also for people who want to get healthy and fit and have some direction,” said Maroney.

“Anybody and everybody, who is interested in just working out or becoming a police officer, are welcome to join.”

The PT exercises will consist of running, pushups, and sit-ups. While aspiring recruits will work on running 1.5 miles in 15 minutes and 20 seconds, doing 31 sit-ups in one minute, and 29 pushups in one minute, Community members are encouraged to go at their own pace.

“It is going to be a proactive supportive environment and if you can’t do a pushup, if you can’t do a sit-up, we will help you,” said Maroney.

For those interested in pushing themselves to reduce their running times or improve how many sit-ups and pushups they can do in one minute, GRPD Officers Adam Boyd, Veronica Sanchez, and Jerrod Rosson will be available to provide any assistance and training techniques.

Maroney said that GRPD Officer Boyd, who is a professional triathlete, will be onsite to demonstrate proper running techniques to improve running performance.

“He is going to teach people how to run correctly,” said Maroney. “There are actually techniques that decrease your time and increase your running endurance.”

He said in years past during a PT Instructor course, he had to decrease his running time by two minutes within 30-days. He said that the course’s PT instructors showed him techniques that allowed him to run faster and gain more endurance. “There is a science behind it,” he added.

After the April 22, PT Exercise event, the next event will be held on May 20.

For more information about the PT exercise events call (520) 562-7137.