VIDEO: Police Union Defends Cleveland Officer Criticized by Councilman

Fox 8 reports it is still getting strong reaction to a picture that shows a Cleveland officer struggling to fit into his riot gear that the city ordered for the upcoming Republican National Convention.

Union officials say the picture shows the equipment ordered for the RNC does not fit all officers. Police Chief Calvin Williams says the equipment will fit the officers that are assigned to wear it during the RNC.

But the picture drew criticism from Councilman Mike Polensek.

"I saw the same picture with the 300-pounder and quite frankly I don't know what a 300-pounder is doing on the Cleveland Police Department," Polensek said during Wednesday's safety committee meeting.

But Police Union President Steve Loomis was upset by Polensek's comments and immediately fired off a letter to Polensek that said, in part, "We have proposed a physical fitness incentive during the last three contract negotiations that the City of Cleveland summarily dismissed. Your comments were callous and unprofessional. As you should know, our members range greatly in size, stature, and body types. We have a 6'7", 270 lb. former pro football player that has NO CHANCE of receiving riot gear that will fit him. The officer you publicly maligned is a decorated and senior police officer that has devoted his life to this city."

During Wednesday's meeting the police chief and a Secret Service agent said the city is prepared for the RNC.

"This has been a multi-year process for them and we are prepared for this," said Ronald Rowe Jr., an agent with the U.S. Secret Service.