POLAND POLICE Department to get workout room

Studies suggest that physically fit employees take less time off work for illness.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
POLAND -- Staying in shape for the rigorous activities involved in everyday police work will be less of a problem for township officers with the addition of a workout facility inside the police department.
Trustees have approved the purchase of more than $5,000 worth of equipment from the Muscle Connection store in Boardman.
The total cost of the Universal Gym to be purchased is $8,123, but store owner John Straub will donate $3,000 to offset the cost.
Sgt. Gary Abeid said the department should receive a military-style weight bench, treadmill, squat rack, calf machine and power block set -- a modern replacement for dumbbells -- this week.
The new weight room will be located in the basement of the township government building, which also houses the police department. The building, renovated in 1997, was designed with such a facility in mind, Abeid said.
The facilities will be made available to police officers and all other township employees. Abeid said the facility should be a "win-win situation for everybody," making it easier for officers to resist on-the-job injury.
Studies: Abeid said officials, in deciding to buy the equipment, looked at studies that suggest physically fit employees take less time off work for illness. He also said studies suggest there is an increase in mental well-being and productivity in employees who have access to such equipment.
"There is no doubt that employers reap the benefits when they offer their employees a place to maintain a better level of physical fitness," he said.
Straub, a township resident, said his $3,000 donation to the project will help to ensure that local law enforcement have the necessary tools to continue serving the community.
"I feel they do a good job for us out there and don't think police get adequate support from businesses in the community," he said.
"Let's face it, those guys have to be in shape out there on the road."