Truro officers head to L.A. competition
Two Truro police officers are testing their skills in one of the largest athletic competitions in the world.
Cpl. Robert Hunka and Const. Justin Russell will be the first Truro officers to compete in the World Police and Fire Games being held in Los Angeles this month.
“This is considered the secondbiggest sporting event, after the Olympics,” said Hunka. “We were fortunate to register and be accepted to participate. About 10,000 people take part.”
The games include sports found in many other athletic events, as well as things like submission grappling and pistol and rifle competition. Only full-time law enforcement officers and firefighters are eligible to compete.
Hunka and Russell, who are
friends and owners of Crossfit Bluenose, will both take part in crossfit.
Hunka said he was first drawn to crossfit while attending police
academy.
“It includes weightlifting, gymnastics and metabolic conditioning,” he said. “The format relates closely to what we do in law enforcement. It prepares us for our job. If we’re more fit it’s safer at work for ourselves, our co-workers and the public.
“During my first physical altercation as a police officer I recognized the importance of being physically and mentally fit.”
Russell said he liked crossfit the first time he tried it. He finds it gives him a chance to be an athlete, be competitive and improve his health.
Competition is just a small part of the draw the games have for the men though.
“There’s such camaraderie between police and firefighters worldwide,” added Hunka. “It will be nice to interact with other police from around the world. The games are like a theme park for police involved with fitness.”
The officers were departing Thursday and crossfit competition begins Sunday.