Physical Fitness Award 1st Class

Citation First Class - May be earned by accomplishing the following: One hundred mile bike ride, a 13.5 mile run, and a 1.5 mile swim, or a 100 mile bike ride and a 26 mile run, or three 100 mile bike rides within a three day period. The Rochester Police Department has long recognized the importance of Fitness and its intricate relationship to the Police profession. Police Officers may be required to apprehend and take unwilling subjects into custody, remove injured subjects from burning vehicles, assist citizens and perform all manner of physical feats under adverse and sometimes dangerous conditions. Interviews conducted with felons who have assaulted or killed Police Officers found that assailants were less likely to attack or challenge a Police Officer who evidently kept fit and presented a Command Bearing. The relationship of Physical Fitness and Policing is self evident. Recognizing this in 1980 the Rochester Police Department instituted its mandatory Physical Fitness Program. Several years later the Department established the Physical Fitness Award. This award recognizes Officers who choose to go above and beyond the minimum established fitness requirements. The ribbon, or the initial award is worn or an officers dress, or class "A" uniform. A single star on the award denotes second class, and two stars displayed on the ribbon denotes 1st class, the highest attainable fitness award. This award is authorized to be worn for a period of one year from the date it was earned.