When he's not on duty as an Akron firefighter, you'll usually find Doston James II throwing a little weight around.
Between 340 and 350 pounds -- on the bench press, to be exact.
James,who will turn 56 next month and is a 1967 graduate of Hower High School, is getting himself ready for the World Police and Fire Games, which begin this week in Quebec City.
The event, which is held every two years, brings more than 20,000 law enforcement and fire personnel to compete in various events.
The games were held in Barcelona, Spain, in 2003 but James didn't participate. He did, however, attend the 2001 games, which were held in Indianapolis. He finished second out of 50 competitors in the bench press category for people in his age and weight class.
''It's very competitive because there are times when you're going up against ex-Olympians who may be working in the law enforcement or firefighting field,'' James said. ''You're competing against some quality athletes.''
For James, the games are serious business, which is why his workouts are so important.
''On our down time at the station, I try to work out as much as possible, especially in the morning,'' said James, who works at Fire Station No. 13 in the Firestone Park area. ''But with the field I'm in, you never know what's going to happen, so I always have to work out on my days off, too.''
James also has the support of his fellow firefighters and superior, Lt. John Sullivan.
''We're all 100 percent behind Doston here at the station,'' Sullivan said. ''He works out two hours a day and I actually set aside time for him to work out. He's a great example of how important physical fitness is.''
And these days, when James is working out, you'll also usually find his son, Doston James III. The Baltimore teacher is living in Akron for the summer, and he is helping his father train.
''When I was a kid, all I could remember was being involved in physical fitness with my dad,'' said James III, 28. ''My dad had a martial arts studio, and he would bring in people from the church and the community and teach them martial arts. But not for combat; for discipline and exercise.''
The James duo has been working out hard together recently with young James motivating his father and getting him ready for the Quebec games. The elder James said he plans to run the 100-meter race and participate in the bench press competition.
''My son and I have always worked out together, going back to when I had the martial arts studio,'' James II said. ''We even worked out on the track at Lane Field last Sunday so I could get ready for the 100-meter race and it was about 100 degrees. But I just have to get myself ready because I know I'll be representing everyone here in Akron, and I want to do my best.''
