MDWFP officers win competition

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks can claim the 2017 Lawfit Challenge title after sweeping the top three places in record-breaking style at the June competition in Pearl. Members of the team included (from right to left) Captain Chris Reed, Private Tamarius Good, Lieutenant Marcus Christon, Corporal Justin Gates, Private Derrick Scott, and Sergeant Major Ron McMillan. They are joined in the photo by chief of enforcement Colonel Steve Adcock and by MDWFP Executive Director Sam Polles (middle left and right, respectively).

Conservation officers from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks claimed the title of Fittest in the Nation after winning the 16th annual National LawFit Challenge held in June at Pearl in record-setting fashion.

Over 135 law enforcement officers from around the country competed in this year’s event, which tests officers in 6 different events: bench press, 1.5 mile run, sit-ups, flexibility, pull-ups, and a suspect pursuit course.

The MDWFP team consisted of Capt. Chris Reed, Lt. Marcus Christon, SGM Ron McMillan, Cpl. Justin Gates, Pvt. Derrick Scott, and Pvt. Tamarrius Good. All six placed in the top 16 with Scott, Christon, and Gates sweeping the top three spots.

Scott won the overall individual title, establishing a new record with 424 points. It broke the previous record of 418 set in 2015 by teammate Christon, who also topped his previous mark with 422 points.

The MDWFP also set records for the 4-man team competition with 1,618 points (Scott, Christon, Gates, Reed), and for most points by a 2-man team with 846 (Scott, Christon).

Justin Gates set the bench press record by lifting 226 percent of his bodyweight.

“Our officers are the best of the best and this weekend’s competition shows that,” said Col. Steve Adcock, chief of enforcement. “I am extremely proud of all six of these officers who represented themselves and their agency in such a positive light. Job well done.”

About Bobby Cleveland 1342 Articles
Bobby Cleveland has covered sports in Mississippi for over 40 years. A native of Hattiesburg and graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Cleveland lives on Ross Barnett Reservoir near Jackson with his wife Pam.

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