Reducing Officer Injuries from Physical Altercations

Michael is the Fitness Wellness Unit Supervisor for the Texas Department of Public Safety. At TX DPS, Harper oversees all fitness testing and assessments as well as an entire unit dedicated to helping officers and employees maintain their health, fitness and nutrition through targeted programs and initiatives. Prior to TX DPS, as former Associate Director and Strategy Leader for First Responder and Military Programs for The Cooper Institute, he assisted agencies throughout the U.S. & internationally in their quest to make themselves and their colleagues fit for duty and fit for life. Beyond first responders and military programs, Michael has significant experience in curriculum development, editing and delivery of health and fitness related content. He has also presented at regional, state and national conferences as well as regular dissemination through scholarly publications, including peer reviewed research articles, and online content. Michael has presented throughout the U.S. as well as internationally on a regular basis. This last year, he presented at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) mid-year conference in Chicago, the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT), Public Safety Commission over TX DPS, multiple agencies throughout Texas as well as in Minnesota, Georgia, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Oklahoma.  Prior to this classroom, Harper started his career as an Assistant Strength Coach at Texas Tech University before moving on to become Head Strength Coach at Tarleton State University. Outside of competitive athletes, Harper has worked with beginners and a plethora of individuals in between as he successfully opened a Boot Camp style gym in Frisco, TX.   Michael received his Bachelor degree from Howard Payne University and Masters of Education in Health & Physical Education from Tarleton State University plus maintains significant practical learning as a competitive collegiate as well as endurance Ironman athlete.  Helping reduce the prevalence of heart attacks and other health disparities in law enforcement through health and fitness is very personal to Harper. That alone, just might have made an impact in the early death of his dad who suffered from the #1 killer in the U.S., a heart attack.