Franconia's Fitness Guru

Fairfax County Police Department
Franconia District Station
6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310
703-922-0889. TTY 711. Fax 703-719-6436
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/stations/franconia
Date Released 02/29/12
Contact: Brooke Wright / 703-922-0889
Information Bulletin: Franconia Wellness Coordinator

Franconia’s Fitness Guru

Officers are responsible for maintaining a level of fitness that allows them to effectively do their jobs, and remain alert for long shifts in patrol. In order to assist with this venture, the Fairfax County Police Department has at least one Wellness Coordinator assigned to each district station.

In addition to his normal police duties riding bicycle patrol on the Franconia Neighborhood Patrol Unit, PFC Matthew Pleva serves the officers here at Franconia by assisting in workouts and maintaining a variety of exercise equipment available at the station. PFC Pleva is a health enthusiast, and is leading a group of 17 officers in their own “Biggest Loser” contest to help motivate them to obtain a higher level of fitness. Prizes include gym memberships and bragging rights.

Pleva states that the worst hurdle for officers to overcome is the same as the most other full time workers, “finding the time.” When asked how one should combat this, he offered, “Find exercise that you like, whether it’s hiking, running, swimming, etc. It will make it much easier to stick to it.”

PFC Pleva’s personal fitness accomplishments include numerous races, to include a 200 mile relay through the Rocky Mountains and a 32 mile race at Algonkian Regional Park. PFC Pleva has been with the Fairfax County Police Department for 10 years, all at the Franconia District Station.

Photo of PFC Pleva Photo of PFC Pleva assisting a workout