EASTON, Pa. – A Northampton County gym is using its strength to give back to first responders.
Planet Fitness donated thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment to the Easton Police Department.
“When we’re our best, we’re able to provide the best to our community,” said Ofc. Jonathan Vidal, City of Easton patrolman.
WFMZ-TV
For Vidal, a good workout is a great start to the workday.
“I took over the athletic department, the committee for our police department, and, you know, we talked about it, we need some new equipment for the guys and girls that work here,” said Vidal.
A quick call to the Planet Fitness in Palmer Township, Northampton County, and the gym’s community coordinator Milan Dalsania was immediately gearing up the weights, leg press, tricep extensions and more.
“It was a no-brainer,” said Dalsania. “If they…are looking for equipment, we would love to donate them.”
“[The equipment] came over in the beginning of August. A big truck came in and now we have an entire gym here, they donated every machine that’s purple in here,” said Vidal.
“What was this room before all of this ‘purple’ appeared?” asked 69 News reporter Cierra Genelle.
“It was our gym, but it was just kind of like a ‘come in here’, it’s not a ‘full service’ gym,” Vidal said.
It has since transformed into a safe space for officers to strengthen their minds and their muscles.
Dalsania said it’s only the beginning of their mission to connect with the community.
“This is like the first one in our area that reached out,” said Dalsania.
And hopefully not the last.
“We want more people to reach out to us from our community, whether it be a police department or a fire department,” Dalsania said.
Because your mental and physical health should never be silenced.
“It’s usually not this quiet,” said Vidal. “We got the music going and it’s really like a fun space. You’ll get people in here all hours of the day, working out, from the for the youngest to the oldest. Everyone’s giving me high fives. This is the best gym around.”
First responders in the region are encouraged to reach out to Planet Fitness to inquire about donations.