The World Police & Fire Games is set to come to our city this June, and there’s an event for everyone. Picture the Olympics, but for first responders. (And way more events!) We recently had the opportunity to interview Jim King, President of the California Police Athletic Federation, and he gave us the inside scoop on how the Games came about, all they will be offering this year, and how to participate as a spectator.  

 

How It All Began

The Games began in 1967 after Veon “Duke” Nyhus, a San Diego Police Lieutenant, came up with the idea to create a Games for police officers. He had competed collegiately for archery and loved participating in archery competitions, so he decided to put together what became the first edition of the California Police Olympics. It’s changed names throughout the years, and that set of Games is now called the United States Police and Fire Championship. These initial Games inspired the seven individuals in charge to create something more, something bigger, that included more than just police officers. So, in 1982, they started the process of expanding the games to include firefighters and opened it to the entire world stage. Fast forward to now, the World Police and Fire Games are celebrating their fortieth anniversary. Not to mention, over seventy countries are represented at the Games that have been hosted all over the globe every other year since 1985.

Overcoming Hardship

Since 9/11, the Board of Directors has been ever widening its sphere of public safety individuals to include more types of first responders, including representatives from corrections, district attorneys, federal agencies, and more. The outbreak of Covid-19 further reinforced that the term “public servant” is much more inclusive than those many initially think of, such as firefighters and police officers. The directors have faced the almost insurmountable challenge of planning the logistics of international World Police & Fire Games, not to mention the way Covid-19 has impacted public servants. Yet their resolve has only grown along with the size of their events, even after having to postpone the 2021 Games in Rotterdam, Netherlands. They secure funding through the local, state, and federal levels, which can often pose a challenge; nevertheless, they forge ahead, knowing that the investments will pay off every time.

Dreaming Big

In 2019, the Games made their first appearance on the Asian continent in China, but they’re already planning to return in a few years. They’re hoping to head to Western Australia after Birmingham. Already, the World Police & Fire Games is one of the largest multi-sport competitions in the world, with 80 different sport disciplines (as well as track & field & swimming) across 63 sports. Not to mention they have competitors who have competed in every single one of the 21 Games across the years. They offer age categories for people all the way into their eighties, many of whom will be the first to say that it has changed their lives. The hope of the games is to influence people through fitness and competition while also providing first responders a place to take a “break” from the mental and physical challenges of their jobs and feel better about themselves (physically, mentally, and emotionally).

The Same, but Different

One of the greatest elements to the worldwide Games is the opportunity to see the cultures and people from all over the world. Jim shares that what’s so special is that though they come from different time zones, countries, foods, and speak different languages, because of their connection as firefighters, they are quite like-minded. “It makes me so proud to be a firefighter… at how we’re all connected, and we’re able to bring these people together. There’s a lot more that unites us than divides us,” he explains. 

Must-See Events

Jim began as a powerlifter, but that was just the doorway into the world of the Games. When asked to pick a “favorite” event, he said it’s hard to choose. Who doesn’t love the classic Firefighter Challenge and Ultimate Firefighter competitions? He does admit, however, that he gravitates toward some of the newer sports, from Crossfit, cycling, and cornhole to jiu jitsu and dodgeball—the uniforms may be funny, but the competition is fierce and serious. You can check out the full list of options on their website.

How Can I Get Involved?

Admission to every single event is FREE, so there’s no reason to miss out! If you like sports with the flavor of the Olympics, go! These are elite-level competitors, some of whom are actual Olympians for their country. There will also be weekend warriors lifting weights so heavy your jaw might hit the floor. There are not a lot of chances to get involved in an event like this, even for a day. If you want to do more than just watch, you can volunteer for as little as an hour or two at one event. The competitions will take place in venues all across Jefferson County for 11 days. It will kick off with the Opening Ceremony on June 27 and will end on July 6.

“I am not unique, I’m a representative,” Jim promises. “I’m the luckiest guy in the world, I am one example. I’m hoping when I’m in Birmingham that I’ll meet the one, the athlete that loves the games that can one day be me. I can’t wait to see their faces at the games. You think you know, but you don’t until you’re in it.”