MUSKOGEE, Okla. − The Muskogee Police Department is making physical fitness one its top priorities. The first ever Chief’s Challenge will take place this summer, honoring one of their own.
Muskogee Police Chief Johnny Teehee says he brought up the idea to city leaders. Between them and the Fraternal Order of Police, it’s a go.
“There will be several that will match or beat me and some that don’t I would thing. The neat thing is it’s a way of making things exciting and at the same time there’s a purpose behind it,” said Chief Teehee.
That purpose − to get in shape and realize the importance of physical health for police officers. Chief Teehee says law enforcement have a 22-year shorter life expectancy compared to an average person. It is a statistic he’d like to see change.
“We’ve done a lot of things to, like you said get that number down, and we want officers to not only get to that retirement but enjoy a long and healthy one after,” said Chief Teehee.
The fitness challenge consists of sit-ups, pushups, and a mile run. The winner of the challenge gets a day off. But the perk gets better. If they can beat the chief’s time, it’s more time off.
“When we do these, when the test happens, I’ll be two months from turning 59 and none of these guys want to get beat my an almost 60 year old guy,” said Chief Teehee.
The Chief’s Challenge is happening in honor of Muskogee Police Captain Kevin Hammons. He died after going into cardiac arrest in 2021. His son will participate in his place. Putting Chief Teehee and the department to quite the challenge.
“I saw him a couple of weeks ago and his mom said yeah I need to get Ryan working out cause he’s not going to embarrass his dad when he gets here, so,” said Chief Teehee.
The Chief’s Challenge is set for June.
