Chatham-Kent’s police chief has long prided himself on his own fitness and that of the officers under his command.
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Chief Gary Conn was recognized for his example during Wednesday’s police services board meeting, when he received his 30-year fitness pin.
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The Ontario Police Fitness Award is a provincial incentive program to help motivate officers to keep fit throughout their careers.
It is sanctioned by the Community Safety Ministry’s Public Safety Division and the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police.
Recipients get milestone awards every five years. Conn is the first local police chief to reach the 30-year mark.
“It certainly reminds me just how fast time passes,” he said. “But it also reminds me of the fact that our profession is one that can creep into all facets of our life — physical, cognitive (and) emotional.”
He often tells recruits to keep in mind the four Fs — family, friends, fitness and food (nutrition) — to help maintain their overall health.
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Conn noted the issue hit home in recent times.
“A couple of years ago now, I went through what I would refer to as my own minor health scare,” he said. “But hindsight being 20/20, it allowed me the opportunity to refocus. . . on policing priorities, personal priorities and all of the four Fs.
“. . . I was able to come back even stronger. . . Self-care and work-life balance are critical in maintaining your health.”
Insp. Matt Stezycki, who made the presentation, touted the chief’s accomplishments.
“Operational fitness is important for the critical physical tasks inherent to policing,” he said. “But equally important is the positive impact of physical activity on many facets of a member’s overall well-being, and in aiding and prevention of illness and injury.”
Conn is a “pioneer among the leaders in the province with respect to improvement and excellence in health,” and has created a path for other members to follow, Stezycki added,
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