Phelps Physician Awards Prizes in Second "Chief's Challenge"

In the photo from left to right: Mark Cuatt, General Manager, Club Fit; Joe DaRonco, Membership Director, Club Fit; Michael Bergamini, career fire fighter with Lake Mohegan Fire Department; Lt. Thomas Eade, Lake Mohegan Fire Department; Franklin Zimmerman, MD; Stephen Smith, Westchester County Police Department; John Hodges, Westchester County Police Department; Bill Beck, President, Club Fit. 

Westchester County Police Department and Mohegan Lake Fire Department were each recently awarded $1000 as winners in the 2014 Chief’s Challenge, a program designed to improve the health and fitness of first responders.

Of the nearly 200 participants from 35 different local police and fire departments throughout Westchester and Putnam Counties and New York City, the two winning departments tallied up the highest levels of participation by their members.

Working in collaboration with Club Fit in Briarcliff and Jefferson Valley, The Chief’s Challenge was established and funding provided by the Heart and Health Education Foundation, directed by Franklin Zimmerman MD, Arthur Fass MD and Dina Katz MD, all members of Phelps Cardiology in Briarcliff Manor.

The program was inspired by research conducted by Dr. Zimmerman, a nationally-recognized authority in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease in public safety personnel. His findings have been widely cited in national law enforcement meetings and publications.

“My research shows that law enforcement personnel have a high risk of heart disease and cardiovascular risk factors. One only needs to listen to the nightly news to understand the high level of stress these men and women endure. Our program seeks to create an incentive to for first responders to maintain cardiovascular health and fitness.” For Dr. Zimmerman, his passion for the subject is both professional and personal. His sister, Shelley Zimmerman, is the current Chief of Police of San Diego.

Thomas Eade, Lieutenant in the Lake Mohegan Fire Department, was enthusiastic about the program. “Fitness is a paramount consideration for fire fighters, and adding some competition about fitness gives people a push, and makes them strive to be better at their occupation,” remarked Lt. Eade. The money awarded by Chief’s Challenge will help offset the cost of the fitness machines for their station.

“There are stresses associated with police work and the shifts they have to work,” said Stephen Smith of the Westchester County Police Department. “Staying in shape and eating a healthy diet helps officers address challenges they are confronted with every day. We consider health important and promote it in the department.” As Vice President of the PBA, he will use the Chief’s Challenge award to purchase exercise equipment for the police academy, which will also enable other recruits and members of the department to benefit.

The 2015 Chief’s Challenge is underway, with high hopes for an even bigger turn out of public safety personnel this year. Club fit is offering a highly discounted membership for all active police officers and firefighters. For information call Joe DaRonco at Club Fit Briarcliff Manor at 914-250-2783 or Laura Crowe at Club Fit Jefferson Valley at 914-250-2722.

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