ADAMS TWP — The obsolete weights in the Mars High School weight room will go toward a more fit police force.

The school board Tuesday voted to donate the free weights to the Adams Township Police Department.

Assistant Chief Shawn Anglum said Wednesday that the rack of free weights will be used in an impromptu fitness program that began about a month ago at the police station.

Anglum said many officers have discussed turning one of the municipal building’s unused rooms into an area where officers could work out.

“It’s something we’ve all wanted to do here for a while,” Anglum said.

A month or so ago, Cranberry Township officials called Anglum to say a company that was moving away had extra fitness equipment it wanted to donate to the Cranberry Township gymnasium.

Because Cranberry did not need the equipment, Anglum was asked if the Adams department could use it. As a result of that, a Nautilus multipurpose machine, plus dip and pull-up machines were set up in an unused storage room that the police now call a gym.

The weights from the school district will augment that setup at Adams.

“We’re looking to get a stationary bike or treadmill in there at some point,” Anglum said.

He said about 80 percent of the 18-person police force uses the new fitness facility. Workouts can only occur before or after a shift, Anglum said.

“It keeps officers healthy and in shape,” Anglum said. “You never know who we’re going to have to deal with out there, so we want to be in the best shape we can be.”

He said the storage room is about 15 feet by 30 feet. A locker room in the municipal building allows officers to shower after their workouts.

School board President Dayle Ferguson said the donation of the weights is a way for the district to show its appreciation for the officers and their service.