An officer in Humboldt State University’s on-campus police department, and former member of the Hoopa, Calif., police force, Carpenter tied for gold in this year’s Western States Police and Fire Games, held in Santa Clarita, Calif.
The Western States Police and Fire Games is a yearly regional competition in various activities ranging from dodge ball to wrestling, for all eligible fire and police department members.
This specific region covers 14 of the western states. Every two years, the regions meet for the World Games, an “Olympics-esque” competition for fire and police members from all over the globe. The games were created to motivate police and fire personnel to keep in top form and to promote healthy athletic habits.
Carpenter, father of five, tied for first place in the 40-44 year old, 220-242 lb. bench press competition, lifting an enormous 440 pounds. “I used to lift as a regular workout, but stopped for the last nine years or so. Then, about seven months before the competition this summer, began training again with the support of my sponsor, Officer Meckels, and the staff and students in the Student Recreational Center.”
Carpenter’s two oldest children, 19 and 21, currently attend Stanford University. On work days, he travels back and forth from Arcata to Hoopa where he lives with his three younger children, his girlfriend and her own three children. Together, they are dedicated to being very involved in their children’s lives. “It’s really tough traveling back and forth between the two places and not seeing my kids as often as I’d like, but I really enjoy my job, with the really positive students and faculty here on campus, and I make it work,” Carpenter said.
On his off days, Officer Carpenter can be found swimming in the local lakes and snowboarding as often as he can with his kids. He was recently placed on bike patrol here on campus, which boosts his cardio workout schedule.
Carpenter plans on participating in the 2010 Western States Games in Reno, Nev., and hopefully in the World Games in 2011.