Easton Police Place Fifth in First Responders Fitness Challenge

For the second year in a row, officers participated in the First Responder's Challenge, a fitness competition pitting local police departments and fire departments against eachother.

While Easton's team struggled in the 2010 competition, 2011 was a much different story. Easton placed above many Massachusetts police and fire responders in the 19-team competition.

"Last year we were hampered by injury so we placed second to last," Officer Lonnie Ataman said. "This year we finished fifth."

Easton's team consisted of police officers Lonnie Ataman (team captain), Steve Hamilton Sr, Steve Hamilton Jr, Jared Nevens, Anthony Dicarlo, and Chris Aker.

Easton placed behind Boston Fire, Marshfield Polce No. 1, Hanson Police and K-9. It beat out teams like the Rockland, East Bridgewater, Bridgewater and Massachusetts State Police Departments.

The competition consisted of six challenges that spanned from January to April. It was hosted by Cynergy Crossfit in Hanson. According to Cynergy Crossfit's website, challenges ranged from strength and endurance to balance, speed and coordination.

"CrossFit is a fitness philosophy that feels true health and fitness is attained by training a wide variety of functional movements and executing them at high intensity," the website says.

Attaman said he and Steve Hamilton Jr. are in the process of trying to qualify for the 2011 Crossfit Games held in Los Angeles ,CA.

"I've been working out for approximately thirty years, martial arts, intramural sports and years of weightlifting programs," he said. "I have never encountered any type of workout system with this level of intensity. It pushes the level of pain and exhaustion to areas that athletes rarely visit."