City to help cops tighten their belts; Fitness coach will help officers and staff live healthier lives.(Capital Region)

Byline: LAUREN STANFORTH - Staff Writer

SCHENECTADY - The city of Schenectady is going to battle the bulge by hiring a coach to help the police stay in shape.

Police often work overnight shifts, lengthy stretches of overtime, spend time cooped up in squad cars and then forgo exercise for rest at the end of a shift. Those are all factors that can lead to weight gain.

Assistant Chief Mark Chaires wants to combat that problem by offering what are called wellness coaches for free to the department's sworn and unsworn personnel.

The city has agreed to let Chaires spend about $2,200 a month for the next 18 months, about $40,000 total, on a coach …