Top Cop Ousted Over 'Jelly Bellies' Memo

[hhayes]

Police Chief Paul Goward was tired of looking around his department and seeing blubber hanging over the belts of some of his officers. So he sent out a memo exhorting the "jelly bellies" to shape up.

he provided a list of 10 reasons police officers should be in shape. He said overweight police poorly represent the profession, poop out when chasing suspects and might have to resort to "a higher level of force" if a criminal got the upper hand in a fight. He said out-of-shape cops are a liability to the city and their families.


"If they got their feelings hurt to the extent of `Do something about it,' then I did what I was intending to do," said an unapologetic Goward, a trim 6-footer who was forced to resign his $92,000-a-year post last week.

Top Cop Ousted Over 'Jelly Bellies' Memo, Fla. Police Chief Forced Out After Sending List Of Reasons Why Officers Need To Be Fit - CBS News

 

[White2000GT]

That's a bunch of BS. He was in the right for sending out that memo and to hell with anyone who was offended. Chances are only the fat, out of shape officers were offended anyway. That is one thing about the Navy that disgusts me too is all the guys walking around with beer bellies and all the women walking around with 38% body fat. Police and Firefighters as well as military personnel SHOULD be in good shape and SHOULD have a professional appearance while in uniform.

 

[OUZBnd]

I agree with white. I am sick of this bullshit where everyone has to be sensitive to everyone elses feelings in the work place. If you can't do your job, then you should learn to get repremanded.

 

[Mrs Behavin]

I give him praise for stepping forward.

 

[GuesSAngel]

That's a bunch of BS. He was in the right for sending out that memo and to hell with anyone who was offended. Chances are only the fat, out of shape officers were offended anyway. That is one thing about the Navy that disgusts me too is all the guys walking around with beer bellies and all the women walking around with 38% body fat. Police and Firefighters as well as military personnel SHOULD be in good shape and SHOULD have a professional appearance while in uniform.

I agree. But the thing that I don't agree with that article is the $92,000 he gets paid...what the hell? for a cop?

 

[Veronica]

You have no idea... they get paid more than you think sometimes.. it all depends on how many raises he gets and how long he has been there.

I agree. police need to be in shape.

 

[GuesSAngel]

You have no idea... they get paid more than you think sometimes.. it all depends on how many raises he gets and how long he has been there.

that's crap. i don't like the idea of that.

 

[hhayes]

i don't see anything wrong with what he was trying to do. How is an overweight cop supposed to chase down criminals on foot if need be. If they can handle themselves, fine, but if it is affecting their ability to do their job it is in the best interest for both the officer and the people that he try to get into better shape.


as far as the chief's pay goes..he is a police chief. i don't know how they base their pay or whatever but if i spent years risking my life i would want to be paid well. i'm not saying its not alot of money because it is.

 

[White2000GT]

Alicia, he is a Police Chief. That means that he has been on the force for many years. I don't see a thing in the world wrong with him getting paid that much. The ones that are in charge usually do get paid the most. Just like a manager at Wal-Mart gets paid way more than a stockboy does. It's the same in the military... the longer you've been in, and the higher your rank, the more you get paid.

 

[GuesSAngel]

I understand ranking...my blonde doesn't stand out that much does it?

Anyway, I can't see a manager at walmart being there for 30 years and making $100,000 a year.

 

[lemon]

hmm - if the police chief got fired for that... sounds like a shitty police force.