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Trumbull Rotary Leads Fundraiser To Help Police Officers Stay Fit

TRUMBULL, Conn. -- The Trumbull Rotary Club is asking the community to help in its efforts to raise money to invest in the health and well-being of the town's police officers.

Trumbull Chief of Police Michael Lombardo

Trumbull Chief of Police Michael Lombardo

Photo Credit: Roy Fuchs

A large proportion of officer injuries and deaths are not the result of interaction with criminals but rather poor physical health due to poor nutrition, lack of exercise and high stress, said a press release from the Trumbull Rotary Club. The wellness and safety of law enforcement officers is critical not only to themselves and their colleagues, but also to public safety, the release said.

Area agencies, including Westport and New Haven, have implemented wellness facilities and programs, and Trumbull Police Chief Michael Lombardo would like to do the same for his officers in Trumbull, said the release.

“A small exercise room exists within the police department building, but the equipment is sorely worn, dated and some equipment is broken or ineffective," Lombardo said in the release. "The town and department understand the importance of both mental and physical health of our officers. Many municipalities have used this method of fundraising during difficult times. ”

“As a member of the Trumbull Police Department for approximately 10 years and a former United States Marine, I understand the importance and benefits of physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle as it impacts one’s own ability to perform on the job," said Trumbull Police Detective Sgt. Brian Falkenstein. "The demands of a police officer’s job continue to grow and providing an adequate space and proper equipment for its members to work on improving their physical fitness and toughness is of the utmost importance for the individual officer, their family and the community they have sworn to serve and protect.”

The goal is to raise $8,000 for new equipment and the effort is being led by Trumbull Rotary’s Bill Zeidenberg who stated: “This is a perfect opportunity for the community to support those officers who put their lives on the line for us every day. It’s a great way to say thanks.”

To reach the goal, Trumbull Rotary will match the first $4,000 contributed by the community. 

To donate, go here or send a check to the Trumbull Rotary Club, PO Box 283, Trumbull, CT and note “Police Wellness” on your check. For more information, contact Zeidenberg at 203-520-9648 or Falkenstein at 203-261-3665.

For more information on the Trumbull Rotary Club, visit trumbullrotary.org or attend a morning meeting at 7:30 a.m. Fridays at the Trumbull Public Library, 33 Quality St.

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