Focus on Fitness Standards

Summer 2002

ipmba news Newsletter of the International Police Association

IPMBA: Promoting and Advocating Education and Organization for Public Safety Bicyclists. Vol. 11, No. 3

Fit for the Job COMPETE TO COMPLETE! From the conference to the street, fitness is key Competitive bike teams benefit departments

By Maureen Becker By Michael Wear, PCI # 516 Executive Director Metropolitan PD, Washington (DC) Another year, another great IPMBA Conference. I’m biased, of course, but I think IPMBA is justified in describing the annual conference as “the ummer is here! It is time to get those bodies premier training opportunity for public safety cyclists.” Over fifty ready for competition. No, not bike patrol – a instructors from around the country conducted six multi-day pre- position on your department’s competition team. conference training courses, followed by 18 different on-bike and 39 S Your department has one, right? Sure, every classroom topics offered over the course of two days. Follow that up department does, and members are offered with a two-day excursion to Moab. Pretty impressive. Demanding, too, training time on duty and uniforms with professional for both instructors and attendees. This year’s conference was held in matching shorts, helmets and jerseys, too. And, of course, Ogden, Utah, elevation 4,000 ft. and climbing. The altitude sure did add a whole new perspective to the importance of being physically fit. racing bikes, road bikes, high-end hardtails for mountain Among the “low elevation types,” the justification for the huffing and bike racing, spare tires, tools, parts, a bike trailer, a van, and puffing was the lack of oxygen, but just think: What if you were like that an expense account for travel. all the time? What if you got winded simply from up a flight of Does this sound familiar? No? For many bike cops, stairs? What if you felt like your lungs would burst when you jogged competition is not a serious consideration. Their down the block? What if pedaling up a parking garage sapped every bit departments have just come around to the idea of having a of your energy? It would be a lot harder to do your job, wouldn’t it? police bike patrol; never mind a bike team! Don’t despair –

We hear it time and again – Americans are remember there are two types of riders: those who fall and

he other part of getting more and more out of shape every those who fall again! The key to proposing a bike team is to your job is year. The CDC reports that 61% of adults T show how that bike team will benefit your department. winning, only instead of are overweight or obese, but from what I getting the yellow have seen, the percentage among IPMBA HOW? jersey, you make the members must be significantly lower. Ever hear of a little competition known as the Olympics? arrest or you save the Not everyone is as fit as Lance Armstrong, life. perhaps, but like Lance Armstrong, Government funded athletes, that’s right. Athletes from all maintaining an above-average level of fitness is part of your job. The other part of your job (Continued on page 6) is winning, only instead of getting the yellow jersey, you make the arrest or you save the life. It might not be as glamorous, but it’s a whole lot more important. inside So why this focus on physical fitness? As usual, it came out of questions Board List...... 21 posed on the listserve – questions of how to and what kind of physical Conference Wrap-up fitness standards can be – or should be – imposed upon both prospective Photo Montage...... 13 and existing members of bike units. They seem like simple questions, but the fact that physical fitness standards are related to employment issues Are We Done Yet? ...... 14 complicates the issue. What is fair? What is legal? What performance No Rain Delay Today: Competition Highlights...... 15 measures are job-related? What types and levels of physical exertion can Vendor List...... 17 reasonably be expected in performing the job of a bike officer or an EMS EMS on the Rise ...... 18 professional? The answer to most of these questions, unfortunately for Instructor Corner ...... 20 those who want a one-size-fits-all answer, is “it depends.” Issue Focus The point of this issue of IPMBA News is to emphasize the importance of Compete to Complete ...... 1 physical fitness to public safety cyclists. You should take it seriously, Physical Fitness for the Public Safety Cyclist ...... 5 regardless of whether your department does or not. Kathleen Vonk tells Physical Fitness Standards for Police Cyclists...... 7 you why on page 5. Dan Ganzel offers some insight as to how his bike Get Ready–Physical Fitness Standards are Back ...... 8 unit resolved the problem of attracting too many prospective members It Pays to Exercise...... 9 who just wanted to wear shorts (see story, page 7.) And Mike Wear describes how being competitive and physically fit helped bring Membership Form...... 16 recognition and community support to his bike unit (page 1.) President’s Column ...... 2 Product Review: Sealskinz...... 22 Physical fitness is key. You can ask anyone who tackled the obstacle Safety: Reflections on Being Seen ...... 10 IPMBAcourse in NEWS, Ogden –VOL. but you’ll 11, NO.have 3to wait until they catch their breath. 1 President’s Column Thanks All Around ell, another successful Conference Coordinator: trying to improve it. All of us – members, IPMBA Conference Artie L. Gonzales, staff, and especially the Board of Directors – has come and gone; Topeka Police Dept., have to do our part to make sure that IPMBA though we didn’t get Topeka, Kansas stays strong, reliable, and responsive. the quantity we hoped Treasurer: I would like to for, we sure got the Michael Goetz, Seattle close by once W quality. From the again thanking Police Dept., Seattle, instructors to the have been with Washington everyone who volunteers to the Ogden P.D. officers, I IPMBA since attended the everyone who assisted in any way was Education Director: conference or definitely first-rate. You all deserve a pat on Jim Bowell, 1994, and never in assisted in any the back; if not for all of you, it would never Troy Fire Dept., my wildest dreams way. Even though Troy, Ohio have happened. did I think I would the 2002 IPMBA I would like to thank Chief Jon J. Greiner Industry Liaison: Conference has and the Ogden Police Department for their Monte May, ever be president of barely ended, now professionalism and overall commitment to Kansas City Police Dept., such an outstanding is the time to start this conference. The Ogden Police Kansas City, Missouri getting ready for Department went above and beyond to see organization. I am the 2003 EMS Coordinator: Conference, May that all of our needs were met. I truly Edward Brown, truly honored. commend each and every one of you. 22-24, in Orange Co. Fire/Rescue, Charleston, West I would like introduce the 2002-2003 Board Orange Co., Florida Virginia. I hope of Directors. These folks have been elected Membership Coordinator: to see each and everyone of you there; we to serve you, and they will spend the Christopher Davala, are going to have a great time. Start training year working hard to continue to improve Maryland State Police, now to hit those mountain trails, and don’t this already fine organization. To learn Princess Anne, Maryland wait till the last minute to hit your about more about who they are, please see department up for funding. page 23. I have been with IPMBA since 1994, and never in my wildest dreams did I think I “Get out and ride, and keep the rubber side would ever be president of such an down.” outstanding organization. I am truly honored. Some of you already know that in my off-duty time, I am really into downhill MTB racing. One of the most important pieces of equipment on my downhill bike are the wheels; they must be Donald G. Hudson strong and reliable, yet light and responsive. I look at IPMBA much the way I look at the wheels on my downhill bike. To build a strong and reliable wheel, you have to start with a strong rim. IPMBA’s rim is you, our members, for without strong ipmba news membership, the wheel will weaken and Newsletter of the fail. Then we have the spokes, which in INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION 583 Frederick Road, Suite 5B Photo by John Brandt the case of IPMBA, is your Board of Newly elected IPMBA President Don Hudson performs his first Baltimore, MD 21228 official duty: thanking the Ogden Police Chief for hosting the Directors. Your board of directors must PH: 410-744-2400 FX: 410-744-5504 th also be strong, reliable and responsive, or E-mail: [email protected] 12 Annual IPMBA Conference. Web site: www.ipmba.org once again, the wheel is destined for Officer Donald Hudson: IPMBA President President: failure. Last, but by far not least, you Maureen Becker: Executive Director, Managing Editor Donald G. Hudson, have the hub. The hub, as you all know, Jennifer Horan: Design and Layout Los Angeles Police Dept., is the center of the wheel that pulls Copyright 2002 © International Police Mountain Los Angeles, California everything together and makes the wheel Bike Association (IPMBA). Reproduction without spin. IPMBA’s hub is our Executive permission is prohibited. Vice President: Director, Maureen Becker. In the short The International Police Mountain Bike Association Thomas J. Richardson, is a non-profit educational organization providing time that Maureen has been with us, she resources, networking opportunities, and training for San Antonio Police Dept., has done an outstanding job of not only public safety bicyclists. San Antonio, Texas holding the IPMBA wheel together, but Membership in IPMBA is $40.00 per year. See Secretary: making it spin quite smoothly. Thank membership form in this issue. Kathleen Vonk, you, Maureen. But it is not enough to Submissions are welcomed and encouraged. Ann Arbor Police Dept., have a strong wheel. You’ve got to Call Maureen (410-744-2400) for information. Ann Arbor, Michigan maintain it. And you’ve got to keep 2 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Summer 2002

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 11, NO. 3 3 Continued COMPETE TO COMPLETE!

...Arrange for your team to sponsor a bike rodeo, helmet giveaway, or professional day at the local elementary school. Wear your team uniform.

4 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Summer 2002

As a member of a bike unit, you’ve already ridden onto the path toward excellent physical fitness. But you can’t stop there – your life may depend on it.

By Kathleen Vonk, PCI #042T/EMSCI #063 tours of duty. These tours may last up to twelve hours in the Ann Arbor P.D. (MI) IPMBA Secretary sun, heat, humidity, rain, wind, or cold. In addition to having to exert ourselves physically under these conditions, hysical fitness for the public safety cyclist. we must carry additional weight in the form of uniform and Why should we care? Why should we set our equipment. standards higher than those of the average P Basically, we all have a duty to be “fit for duty” whether we citizen? Because emergency service are EMTs, paramedics, security professionals, or police professionals contend with factors that are not typical among officers. At some point, someone’s life is sure to depend on the average civilian, such as excessive job-related stress, it – whether it is yours, your partner’s, or that of a citizen critical incident stress, rotating shifts, and extended tours. you are sworn to protect. Take your fitness level seriously. Firefighters and EMS professionals find themselves in Stay well-hydrated, eat adequate protein and carbohydrates, dangerous situations involving chemicals and other take in adequate vitamins, minerals and fiber; and don’t hazardous materials, building collapses, automobile wrecks, overeat. When you work out, include both anaerobic and risky rescues. Police officers face the reality of strength training and aerobic cardiovascular activities. Your encountering people who would try to kill them if contacted. shift on the may account for your cardio, but be sure These contacts have the potential to turn into violent to get in some upper body strength training while not on the struggles for life and death, and the officer’s own level of clock. While on duty, incorporate some anaerobic threshold fitness may play a part in the outcome of that confrontation. (AT) training into your tour and get paid to work out! By As Gene Zink, formerly of Heckler & Koch International engaging in some interval training on your beat, you can Training Division would say, “You may literally have the actually improve your AT. Ride hard for 30 seconds, then rest of your life to win that confrontation.” There is easy for 30 seconds. always at least one weapon in confrontations involving Repeat several times. police officers, and each year, officers are killed during Why should we set our What good does this struggles for their own weapon. Anaerobic strength, standards higher than those of do? It might mean a vital part physical fitness, is crucial in the average citizen? Because the difference encounters of this type. emergency service between you or the In addition, every year police, EMS, professionals contend with suspect becoming firefighters, and security personnel suffer factors that are not typical exhausted first. Or heart attacks while physically exerting among the average civilian… the difference in themselves during the course of their whether you are able duties. This has happened during to perform your struggles with suspects, while fighting fires, while riding duties proficiently after you sprint to a scene. Or whether to medical emergencies or other “hot” runs, and the ambulance has to treat you or your patient first! Take even during bicycle training courses. Cardiovascular fitness care of your body and continue to serve your community is of utmost importance. with pride. By doing so, you are doing a great favor for While physical fitness is a key element to the health and yourself, your family, your department, and the citizens of safety of all public safety personnel, it is perhaps even more your community. essential for those on bike duty. Pre-screening to ensure that It has been an honor serving as your President and I look a bike unit candidate meets a minimum level of fitness forward to serving you as a board member for the remainder should be a mandatory step in the selection process, and of my term. Ride your Gluteus to its Maximus! maintaining a minimum level of fitness should be a top priority for those assigned to the bike. We have to rely on Kathleen Vonk can be reached at [email protected]. our physical abilities to ride significant distances during our IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 11, NO. 3 5 Focus: Fitness Standards

(Continued from page 1) over the world travel to a particular I could describe the pride they take in public safety servants on bikes? location and represent their countries in representing the Metropolitan Police A community-based bike team? Olympic Sporting Events. Someone, Department. The next step is to gain the support of your somewhere presented the idea to leaders of FOR SALE community. Try your local bike shops; the country, saying, “Hey, we should send they will generally be familiar with how a team to compete in the Olympics!” The I will tell you how they gained support. sponsorship deals are conducted. Then response, “No!” Question, “Why not?” They sell themselves to the department and move on to the restaurants and other Response, “Because we’ve never done it to other local supporters. During recruiting businesses. But be careful – collecting before!” That person must have kept dry spells when there is a need for donations can be a dangerous situation. asking until the answer was, “O.K., O.K., qualified applicants, your department Be clear; direct, to the point: the donation just leave me alone and go do it!” needs something extra. Lead by example. is for your team, not for your department. There are several major competitions just Show the world that you are committed to Represent your team clearly and openly, for public safety personnel, such as the your profession and your agency. This is and do not misrepresent yourself; either IPMBA Mountain Bike Competition, the an integral part of performing your duty you are or you are not acting as an agent of Canadian-American Games with pride and commitment, not just your department. Explain what you do, the (www.canampolicefiregames.org), the working for a paycheck. If you don’t public activities in which you participate, Carolina Police and Fire Games (see page understand this concept, ask any soldier, the fundraising and, of course, the 21 for information) and the World Police sailor or marine, police officer or competitions. This is how to bring and Fire Games (www.2003.wpfg.org), emergency medical service professional. attention to your cause. held this year in Indianapolis, Indiana. Competition builds camaraderie, esprit de corps, pride, commitment...and physique. WHICH TRAIL SHOULD YOU RIDE? The main emphasis of these games is the The competent, committed, qualified “Spirit of Competition.” Join in the games Decide early in the process what kind of athlete makes for a good recruitment team you are forming. Are you looking to for the sake of competition. To quote a poster. highly motivated competitor, “Compete to be community-oriented, with some Complete.” Believe it or not, these competitions, or purely a racing team? If games are not just about winning. you are a racing team, sell yourself that Being part of these events is not only The key to proposing way. Hit your sponsors with a team an awesome experience; it is also resume, a list of accomplishments and past a bike team is to events, and your training schedule. Offer an excellent way for you and your department to network. show how that bike advertising on your team jersey, helmet, water bottle or bike. If your team is In most world competitions, team will benefit your community-based, you can do the same. like the Olympics, only department. However, be mindful of how much time three athletes per event you agree to dedicate to the non- receive a medal. The competitive activities. Winning teams get rest are just “Olympians.” Could you live Your department is a major player in sponsors, and winning takes a lot of with having been one of the ten best in the building your team. Most likely, at first practice, time, and effort. This is a hard world? “Uhhh, Yeah!” “Compete to you will be offered little or nothing; trail to ride, so be prepared. Never make a Complete” is saying to the world – or just perhaps paid time or compensatory time to promise you cannot keep. your jurisdiction – “hey, I am proud of my compete. Take what you can get and start profession, I can do it, and I can ride!” Start on a simple trail. Get some the ball rolling. Simply getting your departmental support, a little community department to say, “we support your GETTING STARTED assistance and participate in a few events. dedication and desire to represent the Begin with a local event and ask if it will O.K., Olympians, let’s get started by department” is a huge step. Build slowly; add a category for police and firefighters. overcoming that first big hurdle: gaining take on only a few competitions at a time. Get involved and advertise your progress. the support of your department. At first, it You must make your team into a viable The more you ride, the more your may not be so easy. Second, it may not be product and sell it. Focus on the areas of community will support you. so easy. I could tell you the story of a your department that are currently being Competitions are a great step for your team of three cyclists that traveled to emphasized. If it is manpower and agency to take. “Compete to Complete.” Stockholm, Sweden, in 1999, paying their budgets, then target recruiting; if it is Public service Olympians — are you ready own way, and it wasn’t cheap. By 2001, community relations, demonstrate how to ride? that same team had grown to seven your team participates in community members. Its members were given activities. For example, arrange for your departmental vehicles and found funding team to sponsor a bike rodeo, helmet Mike Wear can be reached at [email protected]. for uniforms, equipment, and partial living giveaway, or professional day at the local expenses. I could list all their medals and elementary school. Wear your team accomplishments and tell you what uniform. Does this sound familiar to incredible teamwork they demonstrate.

6 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Summer 2002 Focus: Fitness Standards

By D/S Dan Ganzel, PCI #097 did say what I had on? I was loaded down required to complete a three mile ride in Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office with the whole SRT thing – the bullet less than a set length of time. A straight West Palm Beach (FL) proof vest, jump boots, helmet, duty belt, out-and-back course is laid out with the question that has been and rifle. I had to drag or carry the turnaround at the 1.5 mile mark. We don’t asked of IPMBA, nearly on dummy back to where I started. Wow! include any turns or curves because we are a weekly basis, is: “is there That was hard, but no one questions why it measuring the fitness level of the riders, A a standard or physical test was necessary. not their biking skills. The men have to required of officers who The Marine Unit is another good example. finish in under 12:30, and the women have would like to take the police cyclist To qualify for our department’s unit, you to finish in under 14:30. We have a 100% course?” The answer, simply put, is “no.” have to be able to swim 500 yards without pass rate to date. All the people who tried That is not because IPMBA does not stopping and be a certified diver. You also out for the bike team wanted to be there believe that physical fitness is important, have to agree to take Black Water Diving, and knew it was not an easy course. but because it is not as simple as it sounds. Search and Rescue, and spend two weeks When we first hit upon the idea of doing a Some law enforcement departments do in a Boat Handling course before you can time trial, we asked ourselves, “is this in have some type of physical assessment test line with our departmental policies? And will it comply with EEOC (Equal that officers must pass before they can … every department needs take the PC class. At the conference in Employment Opportunity Commission) Utah, I heard about all kinds of different to have standards to rules?” We weren’t about to find out tests, like having to complete a run, do a determine whether or not an the hard way, so we took it to certain number of push-ups, and then Legal and to Human Resources. swim 100 yards; or a three mile time trial; officer is physically capable of They determined that we or just a straight mile-and-a-half run. performing the tasks required weren’t asking the prospective bike officers to These are just a few of the various tests of a bicycle officer. given prior to enrollment. But for every do anything more strenuous than they department that has some sort of pre- start on the water. Makes sense, right? might be called upon to do while on duty. screening for bike officers, many more do You wouldn’t want a marine officer who We were then able to adopt it as a pre- not. wasn’t a strong swimmer. screening tool. We are now trying to take It is time to take a stand; every department My point is this – all special units place it one step further by requiring that needs to have standards to determine special demands on the officers in those officers not only have to meet the standard whether or not an officer is physically units, and all require above-average when they join the unit, but they also have capable of performing the tasks required of physical fitness and the completion of to continue to meet it in an annual in- a bicycle officer. But where do the specialized training. Bikes are no service training. Some of our special units standards come from? If you are using a different. The demands of bike duty are already do this. When officers apply to a physical assessment or an entry test to different than those of the average patrol special unit, they sign “pre-employment qualify an officer for the PC class and you officer, and you need to have some way of contracts” agreeing that they are required use one of the aforementioned skill tests, I gauging a candidate’s ability to meet those to meet and maintain whatever job-related ask you, what do push-ups have to do with demands. That is why you should require physical fitness standards are established. riding a bike? And what does a pre-test prior to enrollment in the PC If they don’t, they may be removed from have to do with a bicycle officer’s class, and why you should require that the unit. Now, there’s an incentive. performance? Unless you’re trying out for your bike officers maintain or improve So why is this a good test? Two reasons: the Iron Man Competition, not much. And upon that level of fitness. After all, a bike liability and training. We looked into what about females? Can you and should officer who is unable to exert himself and both sides when we were developing it. you use some type of curve? The point is then recover quickly is likely to do more On the liability side, we found a court case that the physical test must pertain to the harm than good. position, for example, SRT, SWAT, ERT, that some of you might already be familiar As mentioned earlier, there are lots of Marine Unit, Mounted Unit, etc. Do you with, Parker vs. Washington D.C. Mr. ideas on what the best type of physical get the picture? Parker had a warrant for armed robbery. screening is, but all good assessments have Officer Hayes of the D.C. Metropolitan Here’s an example. About eight years one thing in common: they are all related Police, who had just been released back to ago, I tried out for our department SRT, to the job performance of a bike officer. patrol from light duty due to an arm injury, and I did pretty well. Out of ten people, I That is why the P.B.S.O. adopted the was sent to arrest Mr. Parker. In the came in second in the timed physical Three Mile Time Trial. For those of you course of the time that Hayes was on light agility test. This is what I had to do: first that don’t know what I’m talking about – duty (four years), he had had no physical there was a 100-yard run to a 5’ fence that maybe you missed the article in the Fall training. Mr. Parker was in his vehicle I had to jump over. Then I had to crawl 2001 IPMBA News or were unable to while the Officer Hayes tried to arrest him. under a bunch of bushes to go into a attend the workshop at the conference – let Mr. Parker did not want to be taken to jail building, then kick down a door, enter a me explain just a little bit. All prospective room, and pull out a 185-lb dummy. Oh, members of the P.B.S.O. bike unit are (Continued on page 8) IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 11, NO. 3 7 Focus: Fitness Standards Get Ready—Physical Fitness Fitness Standards for Bike Cops Standards Are Back (Continued from page 7) Reprinted from Labor Law & Notes, Grand Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police and resisted arrest. The officer attempted to subdue hysical fitness standards for law enforcement officers have been him physically and due to his prior injury was unable P around since the first centurions mounted their chariots. to do so. The officer lost control of Mr. Parker and However, after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1991, could not get him out of the vehicle, at which point, the enforcement of physical fitness standards was put largely on hold. the officer resorted to deadly force, pulled his weapon from his holster and fired at Mr. Parker, killing him. Police administrators wanted to make sure that their department’s physical fitness standards were not illegally discriminatory and that they were job- The court case was brought against the city because related. the officer was placed back on patrol, after being out Many took the time to validate their standards. Others have waited for the on light duty, with inadequate training. It might have courts to settle a number of legal challenges related to physical fitness been a justified shooting, but Mr. Parker did not have standards, in order that they might be guided by those decisions. a weapon, so the whole thing was over the officer’s The waiting appears to be over. Many of the issues have been litigated inability to perform due to lack of training in the four and legal standards are much clearer, encouraging more and more years that he was on light duty. This cost the departments to again initiate and enforce physical fitness standards. Metropolitan Police Department $425,046.67. The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is encouraging its leaders to become This brings up the next reason, training. The point is familiar with the issues surrounding physical fitness standards and how that not only do you need to be physically fit, but you they may impact the F.O.P. membership. This is a matter of great need to keep your skills sharp. Therefore, you need importance to your member’s safety and their careers. training all the time. If you don’t get the in-service Many of our lodges serve as labor representatives, so care must be taken training you need to allow you to perform at the that the contractual provisions pertaining to the physical fitness standards physical level required for your position, whether it is incorporated in our collective bargaining agreements are legal. bike patrol, mounted patrol, SRT, SWAT, ERT or If they are not, then both the law enforcement agency and the lodge may marine patrol, this could happen to you. Any officer be held liable for discrimination violations. who rides a bike should be in good physical condition We are encouraging FOP leaders to be proactive in the area of physical so he can perform to the best of his ability. fitness. Let me give you a scenario that could happen to any Be prepared to talk about incentive plans and other non-punitive physical officer, Anywhere, USA. You are on patrol in a fitness models. For instance, one might propose that officers who meet a community, strip mall, or beach, and a call goes out given level of physical fitness be rewarded with an increase in pay or extra that another officer is down. He is three miles away, vacation time. and your patrol vehicle, if you have one, is four miles If officers are found to be unfit, are you ready to address their needs? How away in the other direction. You decide to go help long should officers have to be compliant? Will these officers be dealt your brother officer and ride your bicycle to the call. with through progressive discipline or will they face immediate dismissal? If you are in good physical condition, you should be We encourage developing a program that would identify the officers’ able to ride there and take hold of the problem. If you fitness needs, design a custom fitness program to assist the officers in are not in good condition, you may become part of the meeting the fitness requirements, and provide for reasonable timelines in problem. Here you are, riding at your top speed and which to do so. We would encourage incentives for making progress you make it the whole three miles. You are so winded toward the established goals and modest sanctions for failure. that you almost fall down because your knees feel like Lodges and police associations should consider requiring the department rubber and you can’t catch your breath. Now, not to provide medical screenings before any officer must undergo any only is the officer that you were going to help down, strenuous physical fitness testing. but so are you. NOT a good thing. I know I wouldn’t There are a number of documented cases of officers suffering heart attacks want that, and I know that you, like me, want to go during their annual fitness testing. This leads to another issue to be home after shift, DON’T YOU?! Without a high contemplated when discussing fitness programs. level of physical fitness and special training for your A number of employers only become concerned about officer fitness job, you become a liability to not only yourself, but to about once a year, when they do fitness testing. We all know, however, your department as well. that physical fitness is a part of a daily regimen and lifestyle. Departments Ask yourself, “is there anyone in my bicycle unit who should be encouraged to make fitness training easily accessible and affordable. Again, an incentive program that rewards officers for the may be a liability to themselves or to the number of hours they spend keeping physically fit is another positive department?” Just remember Parker vs. Washington alternative to encourage physical fitness. D.C. That’s where the Physical Assessment Pre-Test and In-Service Training comes into play. We are aware of the benefits of fitness, but we are also aware of the difficulties of keeping fit (shift work, sedentary work environment, fast- food, etc.) Like it or not, physical fitness standards appear to be a growing trend and we’d better be ready to address this issue in a knowledgeable, Dan Ganzel can be contacted at [email protected]. positive, and progressive way.

8 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Summer 2002 It Pays to Exercise In Boca Raton… Focus: Fitness Standards Written by Molly Hennessy-Fiske plans due to liabilities surrounding officers year “healthier lifestyles” campaign including Reprinted from the Palm Beach Post (FL) exercising on the job. individualized exercise, diet and possibly October 1, 2001 smoking cessation classes, Eggleston said. “You’re going to get hurt on the job if you BOCA RATON, FLORIDA – Exercise has its don’t work out,” Boynton Beach police Sgt. The sheriff’s office in January invested more rewards. For Boca Raton Police, those Thomas McCabe said. than $100,000 in an expanded gym at its include money and vacation time. Since the Boynton Beach police department headquarters on Gun Club Road in West Palm Three hours of paid exercise go to any officer moved to 11.5–hour shifts last year, McCabe Beach. Sheriff’s Capt. Alan May likes the willing to run, walk or hit the gym said it’s been harder for officers to get out on idea of paid workouts, but said supervising during a regular weekly shift. The their own. Paid gym time while on duty the program at the larger agency would prove problematic. Without testing, how can you benefit was instituted about would make the difference, he said. two years ago, said fitness tell if a deputy logs the gym hours? Deputies coordinator Mike Smicklas, $ “You’re dog-tired at the end of a rejected annual tests a decade ago, said May, and with it, annual fitness shift. The last thing you want to and he believes they are unlikely to accept tests are required for all do is go to the gym. This is them now. below the rank of Captain. $ making it part of your day,” “So many people were so worried about it; Some upper ranks, he said. thinking “If I don’t do this thing in the 10 including captains and the $ Police fitness isn’t just minutes allotted, it would come back and hurt chief, volunteer. Employees who excel, about getting the job done, officials said: It’s me on my permanent record,’” he said of a including Chief Andrew Scott, earn another about saving taxpayers money. Health timed run. bonus: eight hours’ paid leave. insurance and workers compensations costs The run and other tasks were developed at the So far this year, 130 of Boca Raton’s 158 have skyrocketed at police departments across Cooper Institute, the same law enforcement police tested. About 85 percent met the the country as officers age into obesity and fitness center that Boca Raton police standards and 53 percent exceeded them. Of disability, said Roger Reynolds, a trainer with consulted in designing their test. Trainers those who failed, Smicklas said most missed the Cooper Institute in Dallas, a national often visit Palm Beach Community College, a only one task. police fitness research center. spokesman said. West Palm Beach police have a gym and a “It has a tremendous impact in terms of cost But May said police often perceive Institute personal trainer on staff. Delray Beach police and the sheriff’s office budget,” said Palm standards as unrealistic. have a gym but no fitness program or annual Beach County Undersheriff Ken Eggleston, test in their three year contract, Maj. William who said health insurance costs for deputies “That was always the biggest complaint, too – McCollom said. Boynton Beach police and civilian employees rose 42 percent last when is a cop required to run a mile and half? attempted to get paid exercise into their last year. Have me run a dash in a gun belt and then I’ll two contracts, but city officials rejected the So this year the sheriff began an internal, five- show you what I can do,” he said.

By Artie Gonzales, PCI #141 Topeka PD (KS) IPMBA Conference Coordinator …and in Topeka, Too s both the lead IPMBA Instructor consisted of a 1.5 mile bicycle ride, followed differing departmental policies, it does not for the Topeka Police Department by a 500-yard run and 20 pushups. The require its instructors to pre-screen candidates and Chief Union Steward of the administrator questioned current bike members for the Police or EMS Cyclist course. Using a Labor Council for FOP Lodge #3, I as to where the physical qualification test came variety of tools, such as the Physical haveA had to address the issue of physical from and they stated it was an IPMBA Assessment Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) fitness as it relates to public safety cyclists. I qualification test, which they had been using and the Cooper Institute test, many have been asked about pre-screening physical for about six years. However, they had no departments have developed their own fitness tests by students, departments coming documentation for the test. He was concerned guidelines, which are often related to whether to Topeka for training, and other IPMBA that the 20 pushup requirement was not a or not a bike unit is considered a “specialty instructors. The home office gets the same “Bona Fide Occupational Qualification unit.” type of inquiries. People first wonder if (BFOQ)” and was discriminatory against Regardless of whether your department IPMBA mandates a physical fitness test prior female officers. He was right to be concerned. requires an annual physical fitness screening, it to the PC or EMSC course, and then, they In the old days, we didn’t worry too much is important to keep fit for your own wonder why we don’t. Quite simply, we about physical fitness or training. Back then, sake...though incentives do help! Our don’t because we can’t. We could only you couldn’t test anyone beyond an department has a quarterly physical fitness test, require our instructors to administer a “occupational qualification,” which, in “plain which is strictly voluntary, though most of the standard physical fitness screening if every talk” means that if no one ever chased a felon bike unit members take it (and do very well). single police and EMS agency had the same more than a block, you couldn’t require a five It consists of five events: 50 pushups within departmental standards and if every bike unit mile run to qualify. But the advent of two minutes, 60 sit-ups within two minutes, 36 had the same departmental status. “Specialty Units,” upped the training ante. squat thrusts within two minutes, 15 pull-ups Recently, an administrator contacted IPMBA The keyword in lawsuits became “failure to and a one mile run. Max everything and to say that he had inherited his bike unit along train.” receive $90.00. After age 35, you get a break and have to do less reps to max it out. If you with a physical qualification test which I explained to him that although IPMBA potential bike officers were required to pass in stay fit, you might just stick around long believes that it is important for bike personnel enough to max out just by showing up. That’s order to be accepted for bike duty. The test, to be healthy and physically fit, because of to be completed in less than 10 minutes, what I do. IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 11, NO. 3 9 Safety Reflections on Being Seen By Nick Gatlin, EMSCI #036 the pedals, crank, feet and legs. Put a Overcome this by applying it to curved Williamson Medical Center EMS on the figure by accenting the helmet. surfaces. Also, remember that with Franklin (TN) Now we’ve not only drawn a picture of a reflective tape, lots of little pieces are better ycling is what I call a “snob” person on a bike, we’ve defined the than one big one. You can spread a one- sport. Other than snow skiing, movements of pedaling. foot square over the entire bike, changing your effective signature from a few inches I know of no other pastime A variety of things will help make a cyclist to several feet. C whose participants are so conspicuous. Each has advantages and preoccupied with being stylish. disadvantages. The trick is to overcome With active lighting, especially L.E.D. We are keenly aware of what the other guy the weaknesses of each with the strengths lighting, it is critical that the light is rides, his helmet, his shoes, his sunglasses, of others. Here are some examples: mounted at the optimum angle. Keep in etc. We judge each other by the equipment mind that this angle can change slightly Active lighting. This includes anything we choose. If you have an XTR rear with your weight added to the bike. Have with a battery in it, usually L.E.D. derailleur and hydraulic disc brakes, you someone ride the bike while you observe, technology. must be a good rider. It makes no sense to then adjust the mounting bracket until you me at all. People who don’t ride think we Pro: May be visible from great distances; find the best angle. Remember that you look like freaks. And worse, safety often does not rely on another light source as will need to do this from a considerable gets lost in our efforts to impress. reflectors do. distance. Fifteen or twenty yards would Of all the riders I have met through Con: Does almost nothing to contribute to provide less than a second of reaction time IPMBA, I’ve got to be the biggest nerd out the “signature” outline of a cyclist; for even a slowly moving car. You must there. I like my cheap steel frame. I have a requires proper angle for maximum allow enough time for the driver to detect mirror. I have every reflector the CPSC effectiveness; batteries must be replaced you, recognize you as a cyclist, then react. says should be on a bike and then some. periodically. Move back at least as far as a hundred And as if that is not enough, I usually run yards. two taillights and about two extra square Reflective tape. Available as “prismatic” molded plastic strips Headlights require some feet of reflective material all over the adjustment, too. Higher angles frame. What a geek. Why would anyone (Reflexite) or “glass bead” technology (Scotchlite). are more visible, but you can do this? overdo it. Considering the I understand that there are reasons for not Pro: May be sized to fit in a strength of some headlight wanting to be seen at night. If you are a variety of places, available in systems out there, they can police officer who works downtown many colors, inexpensive, Motorists work against you. High-beam requires no batteries, highly busting drug dealers, you may be must bicycle lights can be just as concerned about a reflection off a effective for creating annoying to drivers as high- handlebar or your helmet. Who “signature”. recognize beam headlights on a car, and a knows what little thing could give you Con: Requires light source to that you single beam provides little away, costing you an arrest or even your work; may become ineffective if are a reference for depth/speed life? That makes sense. For the rest of us, illuminated at an angle; some cyclist in perception. They can also however, whose lives are less exciting, types will wear out; certain motion “wash out” other devices you being seen is always an advantage. colors less effective; legal are using. Remember that you use these lights to see where If you paid attention in your PC or EMSC restrictions on placement of you’re going, so the angles change with course, you understand that being seen is some colors in certain states. your speed. not the object of the game. Being Reflective clothing. Usually consists of recognized as a cyclist is. What difference regular apparel with reflective tape All of the previously mentioned methods does it make? Cyclists are bodies in sewn on. Some products involve are generally used at night. There are motion, and it is vital that the motorist impregnating or coating fabric with considerations during the day, and bright realizes this. As a moving object, the bike reflective material so that entire garment is colors are not always the best choice. cannot be safely passed until the motorist reflective. There are some surprising studies floating estimates and accounts for its speed. The around concerning daytime conspicuity. motorist must also be prepared to allow for Pro: Fantastic for creating rider’s Most show that sharply contrasting colors the inevitable side-to-side movement of the signature; visible from virtually any angle. are more conspicuous that bright ones. I bike. It’s not like passing a mailbox. Con: May lose some effectiveness after guess that’s another article. Maybe this is why half of the cycling several washings. So, if you are prepared to give up your cool deaths occur at night, even though there are The key to effective conspicuity is to image for the sake of surviving nighttime so few cyclists on the road. utilize several of the above methods to traffic, pay heed to these hints. If your So, how do we make the motorist recognize achieve it, while maximizing the friends won’t ride with you on your dorky that the object he is approaching is a effectiveness of each. In the case of retro- bike, I will. Look for me at IPMBA cyclist? The best way is to arrange our reflective tape, I have often heard that it conferences. I’m the guy with the mirror… conspicuity devices in such a way that they disappears if the light source is just a few look like a person on a bike. Accentuate degrees from a 90-degree angle. Nick Gatlin can be reached at bikemedic1208@.net.

10 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Summer 2002

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 11, NO. 3 11 12 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Summer 2002

The 12th Annual IPMBA Conference Highlights any thanks to Chief Jon J. Greiner and the Ogden City Police Department for hosting an excellent conference. IPMBA is grateful for their support, as well as that of all instructors, volunteers, and others who played a role in the success of the 12th Annual IPMBA Conference. Special recognition is deserved by core committeeM members Officer Tom Breen, Sgt. Tony Fox, and Lt. Dan Greenhalgh. They were supported by a dedicated group of OPD personnel, without whose on-site assistance the event would not have gone so smoothly. Many thanks to Mark Ramsey, Bob Hanselman, Gene Maguire, Jack Alexander, Will Cragun, Danielle Croyle, Nate Cline, Wendy Nichols, Jackie Smith, Eric Young, Dale Weese, Darren Goff, Derek Draper, Bart Heslington, John Thomas, Juan Trujillo, and Melissa Melcher. It is difficult to capture the spirit of an IPMBA conference in either words or pictures, but here goes.... Students in the IPMBA EMS Cyclist Course concentrate so hard on performing cone maneuvers, carrying more than 30 pounds of extra weight in their panniers, that they hardly notice the spectacular scenery. Photo by Neil Blackington

Photo by Kathy Vonk Patrolman Michael Trout of the Ohio University PD demonstrates one of the reasons that this is called Photo by Nick Gatlin the “IPMBA Advanced Course.” Jose Delgado of the New York Presbyterian Hospital (a student in the LAPD Bicycle Rapid Response Team Training Course) learns how extra gear, including helmet with riot face shield, large-capacity personal hydration system, and 37mm less lethal weapon can affect bike- handling ability.

Participants in Under the watchful eye of Mount the Police Ogden (and several safety Cyclist Night spotters), Steve Bazany of the San Operations Antonio PD clears one of many workshop obstacles in the annual IPMBA practice the mountain bike competition. stealth Photo by Jim Bowell approach to suspicious

Photo by Kathy Vonk activity. Lou Ann Hamblin of Van Buren Township PD (MI) was quick to Photo by Neil Blackington let this would-be thief know that trying to rip Ogden Officers Scott off a street vendor McGregor, Mark during an IPMBA Ramsey, Gene conference is a bad Maguire, and Jack idea. It was the perfect Alexander do their arrest — she got to part to provide knock him into a brick adequate protein for wall and cuff him, and peak performance. someone else had to do The Thursday night the paperwork. BBQ was sponsored by Skaggs Public IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 11, NO. 3 Safety Supply. 13 Photo by John Brandt Conference Highlights Are We Done Yet? Reflections of a tired host By Tom Breen Ogden PD (UT) 2002 IPMBA Conference Chairman O.K., O.K., it took a few days, but I Leave it to Lou Ann Hamblin – she outran down to the hundredths of a second to finally realized everyone was gone and I everyone else, caught the guy, knocked him determine the winner of the Police Cyclist didn’t have to be here or there or making into a brick wall, cuffed him, and waited competition. Good job to all those that sure people were taken care of. for OPD to come take the report. That put participated! IPMBA, Ogden, and Lou Ann into the Well....almost! We did have to ship T.J. Of course, not all of the adventures were on media spotlight and earned Lou Ann OPD’s Richardson’s bike back to San Antonio, bike. Utah doesn’t have any casinos, but “top award” – a wooden Model T Ford seeing how – as he put it – his “crew” that did not stop two determined gamblers. (complete with an IPMBA license tag!) forgot to load his bike with all their other I told them it is a two hour drive west to stuff. Oops. Next was watching the flatlanders’ jaws Wendover (or as we call it, Bendover), As I found time to sit back and look at hitting the ground when they were told the Nevada, where they have full service what had just taken place over the ten trails were along the casinos and all-night days of the IPMBA conference, I realized mountains. “Yes,” I ne rider mentioned in action. I wasn’t sure that we had pulled it off. What a said many times, “that his own polite words if they went until trail you see up there is almost everyone had conference! Believe it or not, OPD and that he had fixed four the crew who worked this really had a where you’ll be riding.” O shipped out. I was great time. From the rides to the Many a deep breath (as flats before getting down the roaming the hotel hospitality rooms, it was a lot of fun, and I deep as the thin air mountain … everyone had when they flagged me hope all of you who were able to attend would allow) were suffered at least one flat, down and told me of feel the same. taken, and then I’d hear, except, of course, Darren their adventure. They “O.K., if you say so!” said they had had a As the local coordinator, my view of the Goff from Ogden PD. good time in conference was pretty unique. I got to see Then came all the Wendover and didn’t lose all their money. – or at least hear about – it all. Here are a swearing when they got back from their Then the swearing started, “we didn’t know few of the highlights from my first day of rides. Even from some of the that there is about a hundred *#@% ^% perspective. instructors! “The trail was great, Tom, but the ride to the trail was pure HELL!” “Ya,” $@# miles at one point where there are no I knew it was going to be an interesting I said, “those switchbacks can be a little gas stations!” You guessed it – these high week when the LAPD Bicycle Rapid hard on the lungs.” “Not the switchbacks, rollers spent some downtime on a pretty Response Team Instructors rolled in. the hills to get to the switchbacks!” “Oh, lonely stretch of highway in the Utah These guys looked sharp – all decked out those hills!” But everyone survived with desert. Lucky for them, a sheriff came by in matching uniforms – hats, shorts, shirts, only a few minor scrapes and bruises. and arranged for some late night fuel to get jackets, the works. Only one problem: a them to the casino. Probably saved them a The members of the Advanced few bucks! Class had their troubles also. Silly me, assuming that everyone rides Brewski’s! Does that say enough? I know with heavy duty tubes, slime and some people won’t remember it and some liners. There are a lot of goatheads will never forget it. I'm still wondering if in this desert area. Well, the the crew from Ohio ever got the Advanced Class figured that out bellybutton piercing done. And was it one after the second day. While riding of the gals or one of the guys that was one of the north side trails, they looking to get it done? Speaking of managed to have somewhere souvenirs, though, at least one person went around thirty flats (and there were home to California with a brand-new tattoo. only 15 students in the class). One I know who that was, but the identity of the rider mentioned in his own polite two officers who got themselves stuck in words that he had fixed four flats the elevator is still a mystery. before getting down the mountain. The true highlights, though, were the great Tom Breen (l) pulls double-duty as a spotter during When I arrived at the Timbermine classes, the attendees and the instructors! It the annual end-of-conference obstacles competition. Restaurant to assist them, I believe was a fantastic time and quite the

Photo John by Brandt everyone had suffered at least one experience for all. We’re looking forward couple of them had left their front wheels flat, except, of course, Darren Goff from to next year’s conference in Charleston, back in L.A. First stop: the bike shop. Ogden PD. West Virginia. I am sure it will be a great one for lots of reason but most of all Things got even more interesting during And then there was the obstacle course because we get to attend and watch! See ya the Cinco de Mayo celebration. The competition! I hope you stayed around and in 2003 – but now, I’m going to go play members of the Advanced Course were in watched it. T.J. and company did a great some golf! the bike check when a man ran by, job putting this one together. I was amazed followed by a woman yelling “stop thief!” at how well the riders did! What a race,

14 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Summer 2002 No Rain Delay Today Conference Highlights Tough course is greeted with tough competitors

By T.J. Richardson, PCI #139 Officer Tammy Kilgore. Williamson Medical San Antonio PD (TX) Center in Franklin, Tenn., was well-represented 2002 Competition Results IPMBA Vice President in the EMS Categories as Mike Fletcher, Steve Denny, and Nick Gatlin grabbed the top spots in ongratulations to the winners of the EMS Team the Men’s Under 30, 30-39, and 40+ categories, 1st Place: 2002 IPMBA Obstacle Course respectively. Not to be outdone, Rose Steagall Williamson Medical Center Team 1 Competition! The competition, held repeated her 2001 victory in the Female Nick Gatlin, Williamson Medical Center (TN) on May 11, 2002, was the final Steve Denny, Williamson Medical Center (TN) C th category. Williamson Medical Center dominated event of the 12 Annual IPMBA Conference the Team Competition as well, with Nick Gatlin 2nd Place EMS Team: and a chance for participants to put their newly and Steve Denny capturing first place and Mike Williamson Medical Center Team 3 honed bike skills to the test. An early morning Fletcher and Michael Campbell coming in Michael Fletcher, Williamson Medical Center (TN) rainstorm did not dampen the enthusiasm of Michael Campbell, Williamson Medical Center (TN) second. those who registered for the competition. EMS Male under 30 Shortly after noon, riders began to gather in No single department had a lock on the police categories. Michel Deladoey 1st Place: Michael Fletcher, front of the Ogden Marriott. Williamson Medical Center (TN) They formed into two of the Police of Renens in Switzerland triumphed in the 2nd Place: Matt Smyer, columns and set off on a 1.5 Baton Rouge EMS (LA) mile ride to the competition Men’s Under 30 Category, site at the Big Dee Park – a while 2001 overall male EMS Male 30-39 perfect warm-up. Sgt. Tony champion Jason Schiffer of 1st Place: Steve Denny, Fox of the Ogden P.D. the Bethlehem PD (PA) Williamson Medical Center (TN) cleared the way for the riders captured the top spot in the 2nd Place: Randy Middleton, as they paraded through Men’s 30-39 bracket. The Williamson Medical Center (TN) downtown Odgen to the Men’s 40+ category went to EMS Male 40+ beginning of the Ogden Jim “J.R.” Roy of the 1st Place: Nick Gatlin, Topeka PD (KS). River Parkway. The riders Spiderman? No, it is just Michel Deladoey Williamson Medical Center (TN) made their way down the of Renens, Switzerland, on his way to a win Alexandria (VA) PD officer with the fastest time on the course. (1:39:24 Terri Mucci-Rector took the EMS Female parkway to one of the most vs. 2:11:70 average!) 1st Place: Rose Steagall, scenic competition sites in honors Bowell Jim by Photo in the Women’s Williamson Medical Center (TN) IPMBA history. Surrounded by towering snow- division. The team victory was won by the capped mountains, the competitors surveyed the Spank-A-Thug team of Darin Zaremba, Medina Police Team awaiting obstacles. As the last of the clouds (OH) PD; Jim “J.R.” Roy, Topeka (KS) PD; 1st Place: Spank-a-Thug David Brady, Alameda County (CA) SO; and Darin Zaremba, Medina Police Dept. (OH) cleared away, the competition got underway. Jim “J.R.” Roy, Topeka Police Dept. (KS) Darren Goff, Ogden (UT) PD. The competition Riders started their runs at the top of a ramp. Dave Brady, Alemeda County Sheriff Dept. (CA) for honors as the fastest overall police officer They went down the ramp, Darren Goff, Ogden Police Dept. (UT) was tight, but Michel climbed a curb, through a 2nd Place: The International Police Team Deladoey just barely edged serpentine, up-and-down a Michel Deladoey, Police of Renens, Switzerland by Jason Schiffer for the title teeter-totter, over a wall, and Roger Pfister, Hilterfingen, Switzerland by 42/100 of a second. With into a sandpit, where they Nate Cline, Ogden Police Dept. (UT) running times of 1:39.24 and had to cross a double skid. Jim Dyment, Seattle Police Dept. (WA) 1:39.68 respectively, they Next, they crested a six-foot Male Under 30 blew away the average high steep ramp, sped 1st Place: Michel Deladoey, police individual run time of through a 50-foot “badge- Police of Renens, Switzerland 2:11.70. Steve Denny led grabber” chute and over a 2nd Place: Michael Russell, the EMS crew with a more- small ramp. But that’s not Blue Springs Police Dept. (MO) and than-respectable time of all – they had to negotiate a Darren Goff, Ogden Police Dept. (UT) 2:00:76. maze, a 90-degree turn up a Male 30-39 ramp, a limbo bar, and a Congratulations and thanks 1st Place: Jason Schiffer, balance beam. Then through to all the participants. Each Bethlehem Police Dept. (PA) two more cone courses, over of you who completed the 2nd Place: Darin Zaremba, a curb, dismount, over course can be proud of what Medina Police Dept. (OH) another wall, and sprint to the you have accomplished for finish. yourself, your departments, Male 40+ and public safety cycling. 1st Place: Jim “J.R.” Roy, The competition was fierce Crunch time. Roger Pfister of Hilterfingen, Topeka Police Dept. (KS) Thanks, too, to everyone but friendly, and everyone Switzerland, does the limbo on his way 2nd Place: Roger Zawacki, watched closely to see what toward helping the International Police who assisted with the design, Team clinch second place. River Forest Police Dept. (IL) would happen. Would last Photo Bowell Jim by set-up, and administration of year’s champions reign? Or would a virtual the competition. It was a terrific end to a terrific Female 1st Place: Terri Mucci-Rector, unknown emerge as the victor? Only time conference. Special appreciation is due to our Alexandria Police Dept. (VA) would tell. fantastic hosts at the Ogden Police Department, who made it all possible. 2nd Place: Michelle Geier, When the competition came to an end, the Northwestern Univ. Police Dept. (IL) results were quickly tallied by competition The 2003 IPMBA Conference will be held May 22-24, coordinator T.J. Richardson of the San Antonio 2003, in Charleston, West Virginia. See you there! PD and his trusty assistant, Coconut Creek (FL) IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 11, NO. 3 15 Conference Highlights

IPMBA’s Industry Partners Contribute to Conference Success By Monte May, PCI #262/EMSCI#009 appreciated by both IPMBA and their Kansas City PD (MO) new owners. On behalf of the prize- IPMBA Industry Liaison winners, “thank you!” We hope that he 12th Annual IPMBA Conference everyone who won will take a moment to provided many opportunities for thank our vendors for their generosity. attendees to learn more about all facets Yes, I’d like to join IPMBA. The support of our corporate partners of public safety cycling, ranging from Membership is $40.00 T was also evident in other ways. Mocean health and fitness to off-road riding skills to outfitted all conference instructors with police tactics and EMS scene safety. One Name: high-quality polo-style uniform shirts in aspect of the conference that must not be ______bright yellow. Cateye sponsored the PC overlooked is the exhibition of products and Ad- Night Operations class and sent their rep services provided to public safety cyclists by dress:______along for the ride. Skaggs provided suppliers from both the cycling and public _____ underwriting for the Ogden PD safety industries. City, State, Barbecue. Tri-State Regional Zip:______The product exhibition featured thirty-six of Community Policing Institute donated all ____ IPMBA’s partners in the industry serving the audio-visual equipment, and a staff Department: public safety cyclist (PSC) community. person to run it. The goodie bags were ______Because the exhibition provides overflowing with “swag” Department Ad- opportunities for public safety from CellSafe, Rubel dress:______cyclists to be introduced to new BikeMaps, , _____ products that can make their jobs Smith & Wesson, and Law City, State, easier, it is a key component of Enforcement Product News. Zip:______the IPMBA conference. It is And, of course, the t-shirts ____ also key were emblazoned with the

because it logos of Bell Sports, Chiba Gloves, Daytime Phone: enables our Bratwear, Patrol Bike Systems, Cop ( )______corporate Pedalers, MRL, Ergo LLC, Tri-State friends to Regional Community Policing Institute, E-mail: meet with the Domestic Violence Prevention ______their Foundation, and United customers Uniform. My check is enclosed. face-to-face, Please charge my credit card demonstrate their products IPMBA was pleased to introduce, on a limited Visa MasterCard and solicit feedback. Such ______interaction benefits both scale, a new category of membership for ______sides – PSCs are exposed to ______a variety of products corporations. Alerte Systems and Patrol Cycle ______designed to meet their needs, Exp. ___/___ and the vendors gain exposure and sales. LLC promptly joined as Charter Members. The program will be rolled And perhaps most importantly, both sides MAIL TO: work together to develop more and better out on a more grand scale in 2003 – stay tuned. IPMBA products and services. 583 Frederick Rd. Our friends in the industry are very generous. The dedication of our industry friends Suite 5B They graciously donated over 110 items to be was very apparent at this years’ IPMBA Baltimore, MD 21228 awarded as prizes in a drawing open to Conference. We look forward to FAX to 410-744-5504 attendees who completed our conference working with them not just on upcoming

survey. Items ranged from lights and sirens conferences but also throughout the year. Benefits of membership include: to helmets and accessories to We are happy to assist them in ⇒ Discounts to Annual Conference communications devices to bike hangers and developing relationships with IPMBA ⇒ The informative and essential locks. Uniform manufacturers contributed members to ensure that the products they read: the IPMBA News apparel, and two lucky winners each went develop will best meet the sometimes peculiar needs of our profession. We ⇒ Access to the IPMBA’s exclusive home with a fully-equipped mountain bike. Product Purchase Program The list goes on and on, too long to itemize can’t do it without them! here, but all donated items were greatly Photos by John Brandt 16 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Summer 2002 2002 Vendors & Supporters Conference Highlights any thanks to the vendors and other supporters who helped ensure the success of the IPMBA Conference. We encourage you to show your loyalty to these companies for the invaluable products and services they provide to give you a safer, more comfortable ride. M Special thanks to those who contributed prizes and showed their support through sponsorships and in other ways. We look forward to seeing them again next May in Charleston, West Virginia. CONFERENCE VENDORS Golden West Communications Skaggs Public Safety (Corporate Members are indicated in Bold) Jim Walker Jeff Clark Telephone: 800-967-8124; Fax: 509-457-6748 Telephone: 801-261-4400; Fax: 801-284-4752 Alerte Systems, Inc. Email: [email protected]; Smith & Wesson Gary Cason Website: www.goldenwest.com Dennis Fournier Telephone: 800-728-1536; Fax: 800-635-1536 Graber Products, Inc. Telephone: 413-747-3555; Fax: 413-747-3532 Email: [email protected]; Mike Brooker Email: [email protected]; Website: www.alertesystems.com Telephone: 608-274-1702; Fax: 608-274-1702 Website: www.smith-wesson.com Answer Products Website: www.graberproducts.com Peter Vitiello Intergold Mike Hietpas Telephone: 661-294-4102; Fax: 661-294-4179 Bob Farr Telephone: 920-478-2191; Fax: 920-478-2607 Email: [email protected]; Telephone: 270-744-0030/800-4455-0368; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.answerproducts.com Fax: 270-744-0030 Website: www.trekbike.com Bates Uniform Footwear Email: [email protected] United Uniform Lyn Sturrus KHS Bicycles Richard Islas Telephone: 616-866-5500; Fax: 616-866-5658 Wayne D. Gray Telephone: 323-231-6000; Fax: 323-231-1590 Email: [email protected]; Telephone: 310-632-7173; Fax: 310-632-3773 Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uumfg.com Website: www.batesfootwear.com Email: [email protected]; Bell Sports, Inc. Website: www.khsbicycles.com OTHER SUPPORTERS Kathy Hoffman Lifebike Camelbak Telephone: 800-494-4543; Fax: 217-892-2662 Paul Freedman CamelBak Maximum Gear Email: [email protected]; Telephone: 415-824-1551; Telephone: 800-767-8725; Fax: 707-665-9231 Website: www.bellsport.com Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]; Website: www.camelbak.com Bike Track Lift & Storage Systems, Inc. Carol Weingeist Shawn Jones Cateye Company Telephone: 888-663-8537; Fax: 802-457-3704 Telephone: 651-777-1554; Fax: 651-777-1535 Thomas Prehm Email: [email protected]; mail: [email protected]; Website: www.liftnstore.com Telephone: 303-443-4595; Fax: 303-473-0006 Website: www.biketrack.com Email: [email protected]; Website: www.cateye.com Michael's of Oregon Bratwear Kim Burlison Cellsafe/MDX Industries Sally Swanson Telephone: 503-655-7964; Fax: 503-722-5701 Jim Bowes Telephone: 253-471-1901; Fax: 253-471-2046 Email: [email protected]; Telephone: 978-462-3838/Fax: 978-462-3939 Email: [email protected]; Website: www.unclemikes.com Email: [email protected]; Website: www.cellsafe.com Website: www.bratwear.com Mocean Cop Pedalers Chiba Sports Bill Levitt Shirley Ranne Gregg Moran Telephone: 949-646-1701; Fax: 949-646-1590 Telephone: 773-792-8436/Fax: 773-792-8436 Telephone: 813-855-3400; Fax: 813-818-7500 Email: [email protected]; Website: www.mocean.net Email: [email protected]; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.coppedalers.com MRL, Inc. Website: www.chibasports.com Adrian Alvarez EMS Magazine Christini Technologies Telephone: 800-462-0777; Fax: 847-520-0303 Subscription Department Tom Jones Email: [email protected]; Website: www.mrlinc.com Telephone: 888-456-5367; Telephone: 215-351-9895; Fax: 215-351-9896 Website: www.emsmagazine.com National Bike Registry/Boomerang It Email: [email protected]; Chuck Davis Journal of Emergency Medical Services Website: www.christini.com Telephone: 510-297-4407; Fax: 510-614-2402 Subscription Department CycleSiren Email: [email protected]; Telephone: 888-456-5367; Website: www.jems.com Greg Bohning Website: www.boomerangit.com John J. Reid & Associates Telephone: 714-628-8935; Fax: 714-751-8622 National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health Dan Sampila Email: [email protected]; Michael Breitenstein Telephone: 800-255-5747/Fax: 312-876-1743 Website: www.cyclesiren.com Telephone: 513-533-8290; Fax: 513-533-8138 Email: [email protected]; Website: www.reid.com EarHugger, Inc. Email: [email protected]; Kryptonite Corporation Paul Marshall Website: www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html Donna Tocci Telephone: 801-785-9636; Fax: 801-785-9446 Olympic Uniforms/J. Marcel Enterprises Telephone: 781-828-6655 Email: [email protected]; Jim Steinmetz Email: [email protected]; Website: www.earhugger.com Telephone: 206-722-1412; Fax: 206-722-1521 Website: www.kryptonitelock.com Electric Vehicle Technologies Email: [email protected]; Law & Order Ed Lee Website: www.olyuniforms.com Subscription Department Telephone: 847-673-8300; Fax: 847-673-2237 Patrol Bike Systems, Inc. Telephone: 888-329-0770; Website: www.hendonpub.com Email: [email protected]; Mark Eumurian Website: www.evtworld.com Law Enforcement Product News Telephone: 800-208-2032; Fax: 651-773-8762 Subscription Department Ergo, LLC Email: [email protected]; Telephone: 800-291-3911; Thomas White Website: www.patrolbike.com Website: www.law-enforcement.com Telephone: 425-333-6161; Fax: 425-333-6355 Patrol Cycle Email: [email protected]; Police Magazine Barrie Gorton Website: www.ergotheseat.com Subscription Department Telephone: 886-4-2676-1611; Fax: 886-4-2683-7973 Telephone: (310) 533-2400; Website: www.policemag.com Finish Line Email: [email protected] David Clopton R&B Fabrications Patrol Cycles LLC Telephone: 805-929-1478; Fax: 805-929-2736 Ron Eakins Murline Staley Email: [email protected]; Telephone: 419-594-2743/Fax: 419-594-2250 Telephone: 713-472-0894; Fax: 713-472-8643 Website: www.finishlineusa.com Email: [email protected]/Website: www.rbfab.com Email: [email protected]; Fuji Bikes Website: www.patrolcycles.com Rubel BikeMaps Kevin Moran Madeleine Nolan Setcom Corporation Telephone: 201-337-1700; Fax: 201-337-1762 Telephone: 617-776-6567 Robert von Buelow Email: [email protected]; Website: www.fujibikes.com Email: [email protected]/Website: www.bikemaps.com Telephone: 650-965-8020; Fax: 650-965-1193 Email: [email protected]; Website: www.setcomcorp.com IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 11, NO. 3 17 Conference Highlights EMS on the Rise Conference EMS Cycling reaching new heights within IPMBA By Ed Brown, PCI #178T/EMSCI #002T Orange County Fire/Rescue (FL) IPMBA EMS Coordinator he 12th Annual IPMBA Conference, hosted by the Ogden within IPMBA, as not only was EMSCI Jim Bowell of the Troy Police Department, went off without a flaw. Perhaps all the Fire Department (OH) elected to the Board of Directors, he was T pre-events to IPMBA gave them plenty of practice – after elected to the position of Education Director. all, they hosted events for the Winter Olympics as well as the Many thanks to the crew from the Williamson Medical Center in Paralympics. We congratulate them on a job well-done. Several Franklin, Tennessee, for contributing two new EMS/PC of our host officers stated they were going on vacation after workshops to the conference. Nick IPMBA left town – we hope they Gatlin designed and offered enjoyed their well-deserved break. Advanced Skill Development, while EMS was well-represented at the 12th Mike Fletcher offered Use of Bikes Annual Conference, a sure sign that in Ground Search Situations. EMS cycling is continuing to grow as Nothing but positive comments a profession and as part of the IPMBA came out of both of these courses membership. We welcomed EMS and they will certainly be seen again cyclists from 16 different states, at future conferences. One including several from the Navajo participant even remarked that Nation, and one Canadian province. Advanced Skill Development is “a Neil Blackington, Boston EMS, shares his knowledge with students in the Thanks to EMSCI’s Neil Blackington, EMS Cyclist Course. must class for every cyclist!” Photo Jim by Bowell Pat Donovan, and Jim Bowell, who Thanks again to all the EMSCIs who shared their knowledge in coordinated the EMS certification course, we certified nine EMS the pre-conference courses and conference workshops – Neil cyclists. From the Instructor Course, we have two new EMSCI's Blackington (Boston EMS), Jim Bowell (Troy Fire Dept.), Pat — our “firsts” from California. Congratulations to Darrell Donovan (Puyallup Fire Dept.), and Mike Fletcher, Steve Denny, Lorenzi and Jeffrey Youngsma of the Fremont Fire Department. Greg Johnson, and Nick Gatlin (Williamson Medical Center). Congratulations, too, to the eleven PCI’s who successfully completed the PCI to EMSCI transition course. Last but not least, Hope to see all of you at next year’s conference, May 22-24, in I am pleased to report that EMS cycling has reached new heights Charleston, West Virginia. Take Care and Be Safe. Hail and Farewell IPMBA Says Good-Bye to Two Board Members he Board, Members, and Staff of the International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA) would like to express its sincerest appreciation to Al Simpson and Ray Ranne for their years of service. Al and Ray were both elected to the Board of Directors at the 1999 IPMBA Conference in Chicago, Illinois. From 1999-2001, Ray held the position T of Industry Liaison, actively encouraging members of both the bicycling and law enforcement industries to market products designed for the public safety cyclist. He recruited companies to exhibit at IPMBA Conferences, promoted participation within the IPMBA Product Purchase Program, and solicited donations of products as conference prizes and giveaways. One Last Look... He also coordinated the product test and review program. When he first joined the board, Al was named to the position of Conference Coordinator. He soon found himself acting almost as an assistant to then Education Director Mike Goetz, and was elected to the position of Education Director in 2000. Over the course of the next two years, he guided the transition from the instructor candidacy (PCIC) program to the five-day IPMBA Instructor Certification Course. He started his tenure by reviewing practice teach videotapes, moved on to taking an active role in writing the IC curriculum, and finished by volunteering a significant amount of time to teach the IC around the country. IPMBA is proud to have had these two individuals serve on its Board of Directors. They have represented the organization well.

IPMBA’s success depends upon the generosity and dedication of Photo John by Brandt all of its members, and truly appreciates their contributions. Mike Wear (Metropolitan PD, Washington DC) stops to enjoy the scenery in Moab (oh, yeah, and fix a flat, too.)

18 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Summer 2002 IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 11, NO. 3 19 Instructor Corner Congratulations! Congratulations to the following individuals for successfully completing the IPMBA Want to Become an Instructor Course in Ogden, Utah, May 4-8, 2002. IPMBA Instructor? ant to become an IPMBA-Certified W Police Cyclist or EMS Cyclist Instructor? Call 410-744-2400 to obtain an instructor application packet, specifying Police or EMS. In the simplest of terms, to become an Instructor, you must meet the criteria outlined in the packet, apply to IPMBA headquarters, be approved, then attend one of the Instructor Courses offered around the country— information on 2002 Courses is below. We’d love to have you! Good luck! Deans Julian by Photo The 2002 IPMBA Conference Instructor Course graduates: Carl Ayres, City of Trenton P.D., Trenton NJ; Neil Barnes, Forest Divisional Support Unit, Horsham IPMBA W. Sussex; Randy Barrone, Georgia Tech P.D., Atlanta GA; Eddie Bartelme, Crestwood P.D., Crestwood MO; Peter Clegg, Oro Valley P.D., Oro Valley AZ; Instructor Courses Julian Deans, Forest Division Support Unit, Horsham W. Sussex; Jack Edington, U.S. Park Police, Washington DC; Jeff Eubank, Emporia Police Dept., Emporia KS; Terry Ferguson, Toledo Metro Parks, Toledo OH; Rod Goshorn, Jefferson Co. he locations for the 2002 series of S.O./West Metro Fire, Golden CO; Brian Hoehler, Cincinnati Police Division, IPMBA Instructor Certification Courses Cincinnati OH; Eric Jeffries, Cincinnati/N. Ky. Int’l Airport, Cincinnati OH; are below. The IPMBA Instructor William Kissner, City of Bethlehem P.D., Bethlehem PA; Darrell Lorenzi, Fremont T Fire Dept., Fremont CA; Ian MacAyeal, Aspen Police Department, Aspen CO; Course is required of all prospective instructors Ken Mullen, Illinois State Police, Metamura IL; Stephen Noftz, Ohio University as well as current PC/EMSCIs who have not P.D., Athens OH; Roger Pfister, Switzerland Polizei, Hilterfingen; already taken the PCID. The Instructor Course Steven Rodriguez, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York NY; Jason Schiffer, locations are as follows: City of Bethlehem P.D., Bethlehem PA; Franklin Smith, Mammoth Lakes P.D., Mammoth Lakes CA; Eric Vann, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York NY; FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA: February 18-22, 2002 (19 Graduates) Gene Williams, Cypress Creek EMS, Houston TX; Jeffery Yoha, Pima College Dept. of Public Safety, Tucson AZ; Jeffrey Youngsma, Fremont Fire Dept., OGDEN, UTAH: Fremont CA. May 4-8, 2002 (25 Graduates)

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: July 15-19, 2002 th SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: PMBA is actively seeking new and exciting workshops for the 13 Annual IPMBA August 19-23, 2002 Conference, May 22-24, 2003, in Charleston, WV. If you possess expertise in a I topic that may be of interest to public safety cyclists or know someone who does, SALISBURY, MARYLAND: and you think your knowledge would benefit your fellow cyclists, IPMBA challenges September 16-20, 2002 you to take it to the national level! SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS: For over a decade, IPMBA’s Annual Conference has been known as the premier training October 7-11, 2002 event for public safety cyclists, attracting participants from around the country and the world. Participants of all skill levels Print-and-mail registration forms will be made attend the conference; some to learn It’s easy – available at www.ipmba.org. Registration basic skills, others to improve their just follow these steps! forms will also be available from the IPMBA existing skills, and yet others to master advanced skills. They all have one Step One: Contact IPMBA HQ immediately office via U.S. Mail or fax. To ensure more for a full set of workshop proposal efficient processing of your application, please thing in common – they come to stay on top of the latest and greatest specifications. complete and mail your instructor application Step Two: Select a Topic. This can be your developments in the field of public packet well in advance of the course registration area of expertise, your favorite safety cycling. subject to teach, or your latest deadline. You must submit your completed brilliant idea. Instructor Application prior to or at the same In 2003, IPMBA’s goal is to offer a wider array of workshops than ever Step Three: Be Creative. Let your imagination time as your instructor course registration before. In order to achieve this goal, run wild as you draft your proposal. Keep asking yourself, “what would form or your course registration form will be we challenge you to put your talents to make me sign up for this workshop?” returned unprocessed. If you would like to the test and submit a proposal to Step Four: Write your Proposal. become an IPMBA instructor, please call 410- conduct a workshop on your favorite Step Five: Submit it to IPMBA HQ by 744-2400 or email [email protected] for topic. Your proposal can be for a September 1, 2002. information and an application. Applications classroom or an on-bike session. Step Six: Congratulate yourself on a job Workshops range from 90 minutes to are not available online at this time. well-done. You will be notified of four hours in length. the Education Committee’s decision, in writing, by October 31, 2002.

20 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Summer 2002

IPMBA BOARD

By Jim Bowell, EMSCI #001T/PCI #576T development of educational materials. The PRESIDENT Troy Fire Department (OH) committee needs highly motivated members who Donald G. Hudson (’05) IPMBA Education Director are willing to work on projects throughout the Los Angeles PD et me introduce myself. My name is Jim year and able to meet important deadlines. Tasks 251 E. 6th Street Bowell. I am a firefighter/paramedic with will be divided among committee members, and Los Angeles CA 90014 the City of Troy, located in southwestern if every member does his or her part, the projects 213-473-7826 L [email protected] Ohio. I have been in the fire service for 20 years, should not be too time-consuming or and with the Troy F.D. for the past 12. I am also a overwhelming. VICE PRESIDENT sworn deputy for Miami County, Ohio. I took the Thomas J. Richardson (’03) The committee will be comprised of nine certified San Antonio PD PC class in 1996 and attended IPMBA’s first EMS IPMBA instructors, plus the Education Director. Cyclist class, held at the 1997 IPMBA Conference 240 E Houston The goal is to form a committee that is as varied San Antonio TX 78205 in Nashville, Tennessee. I have been teaching at as the IPMBA membership; representing 210-271-9601 the national level ever since the 1998 IPMBA departments of all sizes, from cities, counties, [email protected] Conference in Tacoma, Washington. towns, academic campuses, states, etc; as well as SECRETARY At the conference in Ogden, I was honored to be EMS agencies of all types, public, private, Kathleen Vonk (’04) elected to the Governing Board and to be selected hospital-based, fire department, etc. Ann Arbor PD for the position of Education Director. There are 100 N Fifth Avenue Each committee member will serve a one-year Ann Arbor MI 48104 many things I would like to accomplish for the term and must re-apply annually. organization, including a complete revision of The 734-994-2911 Complete Guide to Police Cycling and the PC and IPMBA Instructors interested in serving on the [email protected] EMSC Instructor manuals. These are ambitious Education Committee may apply by sending a CONFERENCE COORDINATOR tasks that may take more than a year, but with the letter of interest and resume to IPMBA Artie L. Gonzales (’05) help of a motivated Education Committee, I am Headquarters via mail, fax, or email. In addition Topeka PD confident that they can be done. to explaining why you think you would be an 320 Kansas, Suite 100 asset to IPMBA, be sure to include information Topeka KS 66603-3640 The purpose of the Education Committee is to help about your department: agency type, total 785-368-9075 [email protected] set the direction of the organization’s education and number of sworn personnel, number of bike- training programs. Simply stated, its mission is to trained personnel, and any other information you TREASURER develop, monitor, and improve IPMBA’s training. think relevant. If you have any questions about Michael Goetz (’04) This includes providing advice to the Governing the committee or member responsibilities, please Seattle PD Board on new and existing courses, assisting in the contact me at 937-335-5678, ext. 22 or 3001 South Myrtle review and selection of conference classes, and the Seattle WA 98108 [email protected]. 206-386-1850 Deadline: July 31, 2002. Committee members [email protected] Carolina Police and Fire Games will be selected and notified by August 15, 2002. EDUCATION DIRECTOR When: September 15, 2002 Terms will begin effective September 1, 2002. Jim Bowell (‘05) Where: Lake Crabtree County Park, Troy FD Cary (NC) 19 E Race Street Another Bicycle Safety Troy OH 45373 What: Two and four person teams 937-335-5678 ext. 22 competing over a 40-mile on- and off-road Education Resource [email protected] course via hiking, mountain bike, canoeing, INDUSTRY LIAISON orienteering and mystery events. GREAT NEW (AND FREE) HELMET Monte May (’04) Contact: Bruce Dale at SAFETY VIDEO FOR KIDS Kansas City PD [email protected] or www.cpfoa.com. 1200 E Linwood Blvd FROM NHTSA Kansas City MO 64109 Write to [email protected] to get a free 816-234-5510 copy of the new helmet safety video for kids [email protected] Kentucky Law Enforcement from the National Highway Traffic Safety EMS COORDINATOR Memorial Fund Challenge Administration (http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov). It is Edward Brown (’04) When: October 4-5, 2002 under nine minutes long and perfect for use in Orange Co. Fire/Rescue Where: Richmond (KY) classrooms. Focus is on importance of buying 6590 Amory Court What: Variety of physical competitions, and wearing approved helmets and proper fit. Winter Park FL 32792 The rules of the road are discussed briefly, but 407-249-6215 including a run, bench press, sport climb, [email protected] bike course and the LEN Challenge; also not in sufficient depth to substitute for safe includes a Police and DARE Cruiser cycling education (see http:// MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Christopher Davala (‘05) competition. www.bikeleague.org/educenter/education.htm for info on the League’s education program.) Maryland State Police Contact: Kerrie L. Dehorty, Dept. of 30581 Perry Road Criminal Justice Training, 859-622-8120 or The video stars a diverse cast of teens and pre- Princess Anne MD 21853 [email protected]. teens, and is funky and fast-paced, with plenty of 410-651-3101 compelling demonstrations and computer [email protected] graphics.

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 11, NO. 3 21 Product Review Product Review: Sealskinz

By Monte L. May, PCI #262/EMSCI #009 Waterproof gloves designed for use by Navy SEALS Kansas City Police Department (MO) IPMBA Industry Relations Committee Chair

tried the Sealskinz brand gloves and in the fall of 2001. During that time, I got the opportunity to really put them to the test – one of those days that it rains all day. No joke – for the majority of a ten-hour shift, the weather was I ◦ 63-65 F, very humid, with mild to heavy rain. Normal weather, right? Yeah, if you are a bike officer in Seattle! I found the gloves to have a good fit. Drawing my firearm from the holster was no problem. The snug fit, combined with the outer texture, eliminated that potential problem. The gloves seemed to be waterproof – my hands were dry long after my jacket was soaking wet. They did, however, get clammy and wet during the shift, probably due more to sweat than to water getting into the glove from the outside. The Sealskinz waterproof glove is a good quality glove for the public safety cyclist who will be out in the rain. Sealskins also makes waterproof socks, but I did not test them out. Sealskinz products can be purchased from their online store at www.sealskinz.com. The site also contains numerous testimonials about the use of their products in different activities. Sealskinz also participates in IPMBA’s Product Purchase Program.

Due to space constraints, IPMBA’s feature “The Product Purchase Program” (PPP) was not placed in this issue. No additions to the PPP have been made since the last IPMBA News. If this is your first newsletter, and you would like to receive a copy of the PPP, please contact headquarters at 410-744-2400 or [email protected]. We apologize for any inconvenience.

22 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Summer 2002 2002-2003 IPMBA Governing Board

he IPMBA board has a lot of experience under its collective belt — and dozens of great bike wrecks to attest to their time on bikes. The board members love their jobs, their bikes, and lucky for us, IPMBA. Read on to T learn more about 2002-2003 IPMBA Board of Directors. DONALD G. HUDSON, LOS ANGELES PD (CA) JIM BOWELL, TROY FIRE DEPARTMENT (OH) Police Cyclist Instructor 069T EMS Cyclist Instructor 001T; Police Cyclist Instructor 567 Board Position: President Board Position: Education Director Number of Years in Law Enforcement: 21.5 Number of Years in EMS: 20 Number of Years on Bike Patrol: 9 Number of Years on Bike Duty: 8 IPMBA Member since: 1994 IPMBA Member since: 1997 #1 Priority for IPMBA: To strive to make this organization bigger and better #1 Priority for IPMBA: Providing the best customer service to each member every year through membership drives around the world. that we can. Most Rewarding Moment on Bike Patrol: The first time we deployed our Most Rewarding Moment on Bike Duty: Finding a “lost” person that had Bicycle Rapid Response Team at the DNC and it worked....it was like recently had a stroke in a crowd of 70,000 people. And then trying to convince watching your child take their first steps. him that these guys on bicycles were there to help him. Best Bike Wreck: The best would have to be an on-duty crash in the Best Bike Wreck: There are so many. Where would I start? rain...my partner and I were trying to catch up with a vehicle pursuit a couple of blocks away...I rounded the corner on some railroad tracks and well you get MONTE L. MAY, KANSAS CITY PD (MO) the picture, as the tires hit the tracks I hit the ground. My partner who was Police Cyclist Instructor 262; EMS Cyclist Instructor 009 drafting me ran right over me...no one was injured, and I have no idea if they Board Position: Industry Liaison caught the car… Number of Years in Law Enforcement: 9 Number of Years on Bike Duty: 6 THOMAS “T.J.” RICHARDSON, SAN ANTONIO PD (TX) IPMBA Member since: 1998 Police Cyclist Instructor 139T; EMS Cyclist Instructor 010 #1 Priority for IPMBA: Improve member services. Board Position: Vice President Most Rewarding Moment on Bike Duty: The first time I arrested a drug dealer Number of Years in Law Enforcement: 22 with drugs in his hand. Number of Years on Bike Duty: 10 Best Bike Wreck: See www.earthriders.org and read the article entitled Monte’s IPMBA Member since: 1994 Mayhem in the “ER members in the Emergency Room” section. #1 Priority for IPMBA: Customer service; helping our members get the training, resources and networking they need to make their job easier. ARTIE GONZALES, TOPEKA PD (KS) Most Rewarding Moment on Bike Duty: Rode up along side of a runaway Police Cyclist Instructor 141 pickup whose driver was having an epileptic seizure. Grabbed the controls Board Position: Conference Coordinator through the window, steered the truck away from a crowded hotel entrance, Number of Years in Law Enforcement: 32 and stopped it by jamming the gears in park. Pulled the driver from the cab Number of Years on Bike Duty: 9 who was choking (aspirating) and cleared his breathing. Administered first IPMBA Member since: 1994 aid until EMS arrived. Received Meritorious Service Award. #1 Priority for IPMBA: New conference courses for training. Best Bike Wreck: Was riding off-duty from the store to a buddy’s house, Most Rewarding Moment on Bike Duty: Arresting burglary suspects after carrying a case of beer. Did not see the flight of stairs at the end of the chasing their car while on the bike. walkway. Flew through the air in a massive wipe-out in front of a few dozen Best Bike Wreck: Running into the back of a legally parked car on a cold, people. I sustained several cuts and bruises, but saved the beer! snowy, sleet-flying winter day when my glasses were coated with ice. KATHLEEN D. VONK, ANN ARBOR PD (MI) ED BROWN, ORANGE COUNTY FIRE/RESCUE (FL) Police Cyclist Instructor 042T; EMS Cyclist Instructor 063 Police Cyclist Instructor 178; EMS Cyclist Instructor 002T Board Position: Secretary Board Position: EMS Coordinator Number of Years in Law Enforcement: 14 Number of Years in Law Enforcement: 20 EMS: 28 Number of Years on Bike Duty: 9 Number of Years on Bike Duty: 09 IPMBA Member since: 1993 IPMBA Member since: 1994 #1 Priority for IPMBA: Continuing to improve existing programs and #1 Priority for IPMBA: To keep it the number one source for emergency expand the pool of recipients to provide the best possible training in the world. services cyclists in education, training and membership satisfaction. Most Rewarding Moment on Bike Duty: Every time I have caught a Most Rewarding Moment on Bike Duty: Just knowing I am out there and able suspect who tried to run (haven’t lost yet!): I rub it in that they were caught to perform beyond the normal emergency service employee. by a girl..... Best Bike Wreck: The last one that nobody saw. It was in Fruita, Co., prior to Best Bike Wreck: During the nightly sprint back to the station at the end of the Ogden Conference. I was riding along the Horseman’s Pass, descending the night, three subjects on the sidewalk caught my eye because I thought they rapidly and decided to miss a sand trap. I did, but the bike didn’t. were making a drug transaction. As I turned my head and watched them for a HRISTOPHER AVALA ARYLAND TATE OLICE moment I was suddenly surprised by a huge crash, then found myself flying C M. D , M S P (MD) Police Cyclist Instructor 490; EMS Cyclist Instructor 056 through the air and into the bed of a parked pick-up truck! Department: Maryland State Police MIKE GOETZ, SEATTLE PD (WA) Board Position: Membership Coordinator Police Cyclist Instructor 063T; EMS Cyclist Instructor 003 Number of Years in Law Enforcement: 5 EMS: 8 Board Position: Treasurer Number of Years on Bike Duty: 4 Number of Years in Law Enforcement: 25 IPMBA Member since: 1999 Number of Years on Bike Duty: 14 #1 Priority for IPMBA: Making us a household name within the police/EMS IPMBA Member since: 1993 community. People who people come to for answers. #1 Priority for IPMBA: Education Most Rewarding Moment on Bike Duty: Seeing something I envisioned Most Rewarding Moment on Bike Duty: Watching that new bike officer (development of the team) come together and work for the community as well as finally make the curb ascent. the agency. Best Bike Wreck: I was sneaking up on a drug deal behind a neighborhood Best Bike Wreck: Ask the tree in Cincinnati, Ohio…need I say more?! bar. I coasted in, hit a pothole, did an endo and landed on top of both suspects. My partner was laughing so hard he was not much help on the arrest.

IPMBA NEWS, VOL. 11, NO. 3 23 Ridden any good stairs lately? The Charleston Police Department invites you to the 13th Annual IPMBA Conference May 22-24, 2003 ~ Charleston, West Virginia *Pre-Conference Courses begin May 17 & 18, 2003. est Virginia has been hailed as a world class destination for W enthusiasts due to the abundance of trails, beautiful scenery, and variety of terrain. Challenge your bike skills on the nearly 30 miles of prime mountain bike trails that traverse the 9,300-acre Kanawha State Forest, practice your slow speed drills along the scenic Kanawha River multi-use paths, and experience the thrills of white water rafting. But don’t forget the stairs. For a glimpse at the annual IPMBA conference, see pages 13-18. Please use IPMBA’s new address! Our forwarding order is about to expire! The Next Newsletter is “The Chief’s Issue” We want your success stories, action photos, statistics attesting to the positive impact that bike units have had in your community, and any information you have that might convince an administration to start or revive a unit, expand the scope of a unit, and/or allow for continuous training. IPMBA NEEDS YOU! DEADLINE: JULY 19, 2002 Write [email protected] or call 410-744-2400 This Issue: Physical Fitness Standards

International Police Mountain Bike Association PRESORT STANDARD 583 Frederick Rd., Suite 5B U.S. POSTAGE PAID Baltimore MD 21228 BALTIMORE MD PERMIT NO. 3361

Not an IPMBA Member? Join Today! Visit www.ipmba.org

24 INTERNATIONAL POLICE MOUNTAIN BIKE ASSOCIATION, Summer 2002