Bullock Earns Law Enforcement Fitness Specialist Certification

Thomas Bullock, VML Insurance Programs Law Enforcement Specialist, has just obtained certification as a Law Enforcement Fitness Specialist from The Cooper Institute in Dallas, Texas. This certification allows Bullock to assist law enforcement agencies with developing and implementing individual and group physical fitness programs, fitness assessment techniques, nutrition strategies for good health, safety procedures for fitness programs, and a myriad of other fitness/wellness topics.

For Bullock, this certification is another milestone in his own personal journey. In the fall of 2007, Bullock’s father was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. He also had a friend his same age lose his vision due to the disease. Bullock notes, “We all had one thing in common and that was being overweight.” Bullock adds, “My weight had ballooned to 282 pounds and I knew obesity and lack of exercise were significant risk factors for Type 2 diabetes and other health risk such as heart disease and cancer.” Bullock’s doctor told him that he was borderline hypertensive and that if he could not get his numbers down he would have to begin taking medication. Bullock stated, “I also snored and had sleep apnea, which led to many restless nights for me as well as my spouse.”

Bullock was inspired to action. He joined a gym and made some major nutritional changes. Fast forward 18 months and Bullock has dropped more than 40 pounds and reduced his waist size from 42 to 36 by watching his caloric intake closely and exercising at least three times each week. His blood pressure is normal and he no longer snores, which his spouse appreciates. “The key to my success,” says Bullock, “has been exercising at least three times each week with an emphasis on cardio and reducing my caloric intake to no more than 2,000 calories per day. I knew it would take time so I focused on setting and achieving small goals.” He adds, “Most people like to use the term weight loss, but I prefer weight modification. I know exactly where to find the weight – all I need to do is revert to my old habits and I’ll find it.” Bullock is now excited to help others begin to make changes in their habits and improve their health, fitness and job performance.

Physical fitness is increasingly used as a performance measure within the law enforcement and public safety industry. Understanding fitness standards, absolute cut point fitness scores, and referencing normative data are critical when using fitness testing scores as a qualifying factor within the hiring process.

According to the Center for Disease Control, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. today. 85% of all deaths prior to age 65 are preventable and unnecessary. What impact does cardiovascular disease have on law enforcement? It is one of the major reasons for disability and early retirement in law enforcement—back and other orthopedic problems and psychological disorders round out the top three.

Relating fitness to law enforcement is relatively easy. Fitness relates to legal concerns, performing essential job functions, minimizing the risk of excessive force, reducing the frequency and severity of injuries and minimizing known health risks. From a management perspective these areas can be summed up in two words - negligent retention. Negligent retention is keeping individuals on the job who are not capable of performing the essential job functions. Agencies are responsible for hiring and retaining officers who are physically capable of performing the essential functions of their positions.

VML Insurance Programs is pleased have a law enforcement fitness specialist on staff. To take advantage of this new service, please contact Thomas at TBullock@vmlins.org or 1-800-963-6800.