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Slimming down
Published 2/6/2010 in Local News
By RACHAEL GRAY
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Rachael Gray/Telegram Finney County Sheriff Kevin Bascue weighs Lt. Greg Hands Wednesday at the Law Enforcement Center as part of the sheriff's office's weight-loss challenge. The challenge began in November and ends March 3. So far, participants in the sheriff's office have lost more than 460 pounds combined.
If you're seeing less of Finney County Sheriff Kevin Bascue, don't be alarmed.
The sheriff has dropped 42 pounds since November, as part of the Finney County Sheriff's Office weight-loss challenge.
Workers and deputies in the sheriff's office have teamed up with partners to challenge other teams within the office in a weight-loss battle.
Twenty-four teams accepted the challenge, Bascue said.
Each week on Wednesdays, the participants weigh in to check their progress.
Bascue said all the participants combined have lost more than 460 pounds as of Wednesday.
One team, a pair of jail deputies, has lost more then 100 pounds between them, Bascue said.
As of Wednesday, Brett Heckel and Kyle Lawson have lost 130 pounds combined.
Bascue said the challenge is something fun to talk and joke about in the department.
In addition to the fun and camaraderie the challenge brings, Bascue said it also has been beneficial.
"My health has improved, and I think everyone else's has too," he said.
But the work is not over.
Bascue said he told his wife, Norma, he would attend their 30th high school reunion if he lost 50 pounds.
He said he meant it as a joke, but now it looks like he'll be going.
"My goal is to lose 50 pounds. I think I'll meet that and drop a few more," he said.
Gaye Beasley, administrative assistant, has lost 20 pounds and said her goal is to lose 30.
She said in her daily life, what she's doing differently is exercising and eating right. Her workouts consist of alternating between using a treadmill and elliptical at her residence. She has been doing some interval running, then walks on the treadmill during her off days, she said.
"I've been running and walking in intervals because they say that's better for your heart. I've been doing that for about 3.5 miles a day," she said.
Jessica Zimmerman, office deputy, has lost 13 pounds.
"She didn't have a whole lot to lose," Beasley said.
Zimmerman said she would like to lose six more pounds before the challenge is over.
"I've been stuck at the same pound or two for the last seven weeks, so I'm kind of at a plateau."
Her partner, and husband, Travis, has lost 10 pounds.
Zimmerman said the weight loss and fitness regimen has been beneficial.
"I've been feeling better overall during the day and not tired in the afternoon," she said.
Zimmerman, a mother of two, said she's had more energy to spend time with the kids.
Bascue said he's also seen an increase in energy. He works out in the evenings at the jail.
The sheriff wouldn't divulge too many of his weight-loss secrets, but he said he has eliminated sweets -- donuts, cookies and ice cream -- from his diet.
"Every once in a while I black out and cheat," he said.
The last department weigh-in will be March 3. The winning team will receive donations from the participants set forth at the beginning of the challenge.
Found 2 comment(s)!
Way to Go
Good for you, it's great to see departments working together--the health benefits and camaraderie can't be beat. I commend you all--keep it up and good luck!
Posted by: KSDorothy on 2/6/2010
Slimming Down
WOW! The Sheriff's Department gets an article in the local paper for being fat and losing weight.? This is classical. Doesn't law enforcment agencies have a height and weight standard? This is embarrassing to have an overweight deputies and then publicaly broadcast it to everyone in Southwest Kansas. WAy TO GO KEVIN!
Posted by: Joe on 2/6/2010
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