Darrell Claytor
When it comes to safety and assurance, it is a comfort to know that you have a powerlifting gold medalist protecting you. Officer Darrell Claytor of The University of Akron Police Department won four gold medals in the Ohio Police and Fire Games recently held in Canton.
In that competition, Claytor won gold medals in:
- Powerlifting event that totaled 1,300 pounds weight between bench press, squat and deadlift.
- The bench press event with a total of 375-pound weight.
- The push-pull event that totaled 950 pounds weight between the bench press and the deadlift.
- The strict curl event of 145-pound weight.
In addition to this stellar performance, he won the title of "Grand Champion," receiving The Wayne A. Leon, Jr. Memorial Trophy.
The Ohio Police and Fire Games is an annual event that supports the physical and mental fitness of Ohio's active and retired law enforcement firefighter and military personnel by promoting the concept of physical fitness and sport within their respective communities through the development, organization and coordination of sporting events.
Comradery, even in competition
"I really enjoyed the experience of competing with my brothers and sisters in public services," says Claytor. "Everyone competed to the best of their ability, but the spirit of comradery within the public service community reigned supreme."
"The police and fire games, for me, meant a chance to gather together with everyone who puts their life on the line every day to service their community. This bond that we all shared was the most cherished memory that I took from the games," says Claytor.
Claytor also fared well in the 2009 Ohio Police and Fire Games, winning two gold and two silver medals in his lifting events.
Claytor, who is a competitive bodybuilder by training, has competed in five regional events. In 2005, he competed in the Canton Bodybuilding Championships, placing first in the lightweight division. In 2008, he moved up to the middleweight division, competing in both the Canton Bodybuilding Championships and the Mike Francois Classic in Columbus, placing second and fourth respectively. In 2011, he competed in both the Canton Bodybuilding Championships and the Northern Natural Ohio in Lakewood, placing second in each competition.
Claytor joined the UA Police Department in February 2012 after five years of employment with the Summit County Sheriff’s office, where he graduated first in his class and was consistently recognized as a top performer.
Story by Marisha Daniels
Media contact: Sarah Lane, 330-972-7429 or slane@uakron.edu.