Brimbank police officers got physical last week in a unique tribute to Victoria Police members who have died in the line of duty.
At the World Gym in Sunshine, about 15 police from the Sunshine and Keilor Downs stations and members of the critical incident response team took part in a ‘burpee challenge’, where they had to raise as much money as possible and then perform a burpee for every dollar raised.
Burpees are a popular full-body exercise used in strength training, requiring that a person drop into a squat position, kick back into a plank, do a push-up and then jump back up.
Police had to perform 11,897 burpees in a tag-team relay format to match the money raised, which included an anonymous donation of $10,000.
The money will be donated to the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation, which supports worthwhile community projects to honour Victorian police killed in the line of duty.
Constable Kirsty Wainwright, who organised the event, said she was surprised to see how well the fundraiser had gone.
“It was just a silly idea I had in the gym,” she said. “I thought we might by lucky to raise $5000. I can’t believe the response it has got.
“We as a team at Sunshine police station want to make a difference. We’re heavily inspired by the work that the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation does.”
Since 1853, 157 Victoria Police officers have been killed in the line of duty.
Constable Wainwright said police would accept donations up to October 16.
To donate, go to www.everydayhero.com.au and search for Blue Ribbon Burpee Challenge.
