In early 2003 the Stillwater Police Department received a rather large and generous gift from longtime resident, Galie Mae Koch. Miss Koch left us just over $140,000 from her estate when she passed away in April of 2001. Although a majority of the money was placed in an interest earning trust fund, the goal of the gift was to put the money towards something that benefited the entire agency. The decision was made to put money towards a fitness training center.  

Towards the end of 2002, Sergeant Jeff Watts was given the task of setting up a research committee for the project. Watts selected several officers and a detention jailer to represent the department as a whole. After a few months of meetings, research and development our idea was born. 

Although many products were reviewed, we decided to go with Cybex equipment from the Precision Fitness Equipment bid out of Oklahoma City. We chose Cybex because of their pricing, the company’s reputation, the committee’s previous experience with their equipment and the Cybex corporation's overwhelming desire to assist us with our project. With the purchase of approximately $50,000 worth of equipment, we now have a physical fitness training facility available day or night to any member of SPD.  

Located on the second floor of the police building, we have the following equipment; for cardiovascular needs we have two Cybex treadmills and one Cybex recumbent bicycle. For leg training we have one Smith Squat machine, one seated leg press, one leg extension and one leg curl machine.

We have three adjustable benches, and GPI brand dumbbells ranging in weight from 5lbs. to 125lbs. Our weight plates and implements were purchased from Red Dirt Sports here in Stillwater, OK. Due to our need for space, we purchased a multi station machine which incorporates a lat pulldown area, seated row area, flat abdominal beach, a multi function bench press and a combination dip bar / abdominal chair. We also purchased a Functional Trainer (FT360) machine. This is the most versatile piece of equipment we have. This one machine allows us to do at least ten different exercises. The Smith Press also acts as a spotter free chest and shoulder press machine.  

Our facility is also equipped with a stereo, smart fans with built in thermostats, and a dehumidifier to help control moisture. Although this is a new addition to our agency, it has been adopted by our employees as if we have never gone without it. It promotes employee physical fitness by simply being too nice to just walk by and look at. We are forever indebted to the gratitude of Miss Galie Mae Koch.  

Please contact Sergeant Jeff Watts at  jwatts@stillwater.org for any questions or comments.