The Riverside County Sheriff's Department held its 2nd Annual Women's Fitness Challenge on Saturday March 24, 2007, at the Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center. Sheriff Bob Doyle opened the event saying, "time to get your game face on ladies."  Positive energy flowed throughout the room.

Sheriff Doyle encouraged the women of the Inland Empire to have fun, focus and play hard. "But most of all, challenge yourself and never give up."  Sheriff Doyle has a great deal of respect for women, their value, and contributions to the community.  "I feel having more women on the force is a great asset to our department and our community. They know how to deal with people, calm them down. Women bring another perspective to the department, as a whole. Not taking anything away from the men in our department, they are doing a fine job. I just think women are an important balance in any organization," he said.

Assistant Sheriff Valerie Hill helped balance the scales by becoming the highest ranking female in the history of the Riverside Sheriff's Department. "I knew at age seven I wanted to be a police officer or work in law enforcement." Assistant Sheriff Hill has seen the department grow from no place for female deputy's to change into a uniform to equal facilities for both men and women. "In a male dominated organization it was simply unheard of for women to be a law enforcer." she said. Sheriff Doyle's advocacy for diversity in the department proved that wrong. The walls in the Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center auditorium were lined with women who stood in honor of Sheriff Bob Doyle's vision of diversity within the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

"There's a place in the Sheriff's Department for every woman who can pass the physical fitness agility test," said Sheriff Doyle. "That's why this program is important. It prepares the women for the academy. They must pass the physical part of the requirements before being accepted into the academy. This program is here to try and make that happen." 

The one day physical challenge seemed to transform so many women, mind, body, and spirit. Over a hundred and fifty mothers, wives, school teachers and high school students, marched across rocky roads and dirt laden fields, to their assigned command posts while dragging a hundred and sixty pound dummy across the victorious finish line. They ran obstacle courses of zigzags, trying to stay between two narrow white lines, remembering to jump over obstacles placed in their path.  Deputy Sheriff Curet encouraged her team.... "No matter what, when your back is against the wall remember each woman is your future beat partner," she stated.

The 500 yard sprint was a piece of cake for one mother of two as she crossed the finished line in 5 seconds beating the record time of 9 seconds. Thirty-three year old, college graduate Octavia Johnson found the wall to be the hardest challenge, even as her team members cheered her on. "I've never met a challenge I couldn't beat." she said, smiling with confidence. As she turned to take once last glance at the six foot wall, she promised herself; "I'll be back next year to get over that wall."

When asked, "If there were one word to describe the 2nd Annual Women's Fitness Challenge what it would be?"

Sheriff Doyle smiled and said "Empowering."