VCU news

By Mike Porter

Four officers from the Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department competed in the 10^th annual LawFit Challenge, which took place on Oct. 13, 14 and 15 at George Mason University.

Officers Patrick Blackwell, Michele Cosel, Della Gatewood and Lance Gatewood represented the VCU police department at the competition. As a team, the four officers placed third all round in the mixed team category. Cosel was second in the individual female category. Cosel and Della Gatewood were third in the female pairs category. Della Gatewood won first place in the sit-and-reach flexibility test.

The LawFit Challenge was established by the National Center for Public Safety Fitness to recognize officers who have proven they are fit to serve and to promote physical fitness in law enforcement.

The competition consisted of six fitness and job-related competitive events: one repetition maximum bench press based on the percentage of body weight lifted, a one-minute timed sit-up test, a sit-and-reach flexibility test, a maximum pull-up test, a 200-yard agility course and a mile-and-a-half run.

The VCU officers competed against state, county and local police agencies and security firms from Virginia and elsewhere. Awards were presented to the top five male and female competitors and the top three teams.