Police officers, firefighters and sanitation workers in our local communities across this country keep our local communities safe and clean. They are our heroes. I discovered that the exercise equipment in my local police station, fire house and sanitation garage in New York City was grossly inadequate. That is why I started an initiative to say thank you in a very practical way - helping cops, fire fighters and sanitation workers stay in shape. Their jobs can be physically demanding. Anything we can do to help them get into shape and stay in shape we should do. Helping the helpers in your local community is a win-win situation, if you believe (as I do) that physically fit public servants perform better. I challenge you to visit your local police station, fire house or sanitation garage. You may be shocked at what you see. If you discover inadequate equipment, then you, a local company or a group composed of you and your friends can write a tax deductible check to the local police, fire or sanitation foundation, community fund, block association or whatever entity can fund the purchase of fitness equipment. I found that you can get more "bang for the buck" (or more fitness equipment for your donation), by choosing refurbished fitness equipment, which costs significantly less to acquire, but performs like new. I dealt with Premier Gym Equipment, Inc. dba Gym Tech. www.gymtechinc.com and I recommend them highly. I was very happy with their prices and delivery. Check their web site and compare to other potential suppliers of equipment for your local police station, fire house or sanitation garage.

Let's acknowledge the service of our heroes and show them gratitude by helping those who help us, before tragedy strikes again.