Seeing the World Through Sports
The love of sports has taken Kristine Franz Ramos around the world. The 41-year-old police seargent in Maliki City, Phillippines grew up playing a variety of sports and earned a basketball scholarship playing with a team that repeatedly won college championships in the Philippines.
After joining the police, Kristine started competing in their police and military league and won medals in several sports. Then came The World Police and Fire Games in 2019, and last summer she brought home a bronze medal in karate from Winnipeg. The experience has literally expanded her perspective.
“Sports represent the ultimate neutral ground, and there’s something about being on neutral ground that draws people together,” she said. “It’s special to compete internationally and find new friends. I also have family abroad who live in the host countries and have been able to visit them.”
Kristine embraces her job with equal passion. “I consider myself a role model. This is my dream to serve and protect my country,” she said. “Knowing that I am making a difference and helping make my country safer is the most rewarding aspect of this job, and it’s what drives me as a police officer every day.”
By Del Moon
- Published in Athlete Spotlight, BHM 2025
Morale Lifters and Record Setters
The 2023 World Police and Fire Games may have been in Winnipeg Canada, but after repeatedly hearing “Fort Worth” and “That’s a new record!” announced at the powerlifting venue one might have thought a cattle drive was coming through from the heart of Texas.
The Fort Worth Police Department Powerlifting Team brought 15 officers, men and women ranging from 23 to their mid 50s to Canada. They came home with 15 medals (nine gold) and established nine new WPFG records in the various events and weight classes. And it’s not their first rodeo.
“Besides promoting fitness within the department, it’s also a big deal for our men and women to go to these games and do so well,” says team co-founder Officer Polo Meza. He recalls seeing the Texas Police Games had powerlifting when he got out of police academy in 2014. After winning gold in his first try, Meza formed a department team in 2015 and has developed a longtime sponsor relationship with The Bolt Street Gym. FWPD has been a regular at WPFG since 2017, racking up records even before their explosive performance in 2023. The team is already setting individual goals for Birmingham next year.
“Our name has grown. For us to continue to do this for this many years is amazing,” Meza says. “Some come and go, but we’ve been going strong as a team.”
It’s hard to find a regular time for police officers to work out, but they manage to hold monthly trainings and have a coach and a personal program to follow on their own. “The energy and motivation is always high when we get together,” Polo notes. “The comeraderie and conversations among us are great. We also strive to be the best to make ourselves, our city and our department look good and feel proud.”
The team has earned the admiration of their peers and beyond. “We try to bridge gaps in the community by hosting open meets here in Fort Worth where civilians and other powerlifters can see officers being just like them,” Meza notes. “We’re not any different than others, and the public doesn’t always see us like that.”
By Del Moon
- Published in Athlete Spotlight, BHM 2025
Like Father, Like Son
Rick Dorey still laughs about how he got started with archery. His West Palm Beach Fire Department was hosting the Florida Firefighter Games in 1994 and needed someone to run archery. He bought a used bow from a pawn shop and learned the sport to better understand it. Rick, 66, has not stopped competing or helping organize shooting events since.
Now retired, Rick has inspired his two sons to not only become firefighters but to also take up the bow and arrow. One of them, Jason, is now also competitng in World Police and Fire Games.
In 2001 Rick attended his first WPFG in Indianapolis and brought home a silver medal. He has competed in 10 of the last 12 games and has tallied 20 gold, 5 silver and 2 bronze medals and holds 2 WPFG records. Jason first stepped to the line with his dad in Amsterdam in 2022 and returned to Winnipeg in 2023. The 42-year-old driver/engineer has already bagged 2 gold, a silver and a bronze medal in WPFG competition.
“I really did it to do something with dad,” Jason said. “It’s a neat experience to see and meet people from around the world.”
Rick doubles down on his son’s point. ”We’ve made friends from around the world and see how other departments work,” he says. “When we were on a cruise to Hong Kong we met and had dinner with a friend who we have shot archery with in the Games for years.”
Rick picked up the sport to help his department out, but he has continued because he views it almost as therapy. “I gtuess I could call it a calming effect. With all that we experience and see as first responders, it’s a release to be able to take a deep breath, settle in, and concentrate on something else so hard that it pushes all that stuff out of your mind.”
Both men are recruiting their peers in Florida to go to Birmingham in 2025. “I’m telling everyone this is the closest it’s ever been and they owe it to themselves to go,” Rick says.
By Del Moon
- Published in Athlete Spotlight, BHM 2025
One-Year Out Celebration for the 2025 World Police & Fire Games
BIRMINGHAM, AL – June 10, 2024 – The countdown is on! Join us on Saturday, June 29, from 11 AM to 4
PM at CityWalk Social for a spectacular, family-friendly event marking the one-year countdown to the 2025
World Police & Fire Games. This FREE, non-ticketed event promises a day filled with excitement, community
spirit, and a sneak peek at the thrilling competitions to come.
Event Highlights:
● Pickleball & Cornhole Tournaments: Enjoy friendly competition with our highlight events – pickleball
and cornhole tournaments. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, everyone is welcome to
join in the fun and showcase their skills.
● Sports of the Games: Experience a taste of the 2025 World Police & Fire Games by trying out various
sports including axe-throwing, chess, golf, table tennis, and more.
● Family-Friendly Activities: Bring your family and friends! The event is designed to be enjoyed by
people of all ages, with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained throughout the day.
● 102.5 The Bull: Popular radio host Dino will be broadcasting live from the event, offering concert ticket
giveaways. Don’t miss your chance to win!
● Food Trucks: Enjoy a variety of delicious options from local food trucks!
● First Responder Giveaways: In honor of our brave first responders, there will be special giveaways
and surprises as a token of our appreciation for their unwavering service.
Join Us for a Day of Fun and Competition!
Invite your first responder friends, family, and co-workers to join us for this fun event. For more information and
to register for tournament entry, please scan the QR code on the attached flier or visit our website at
bhm2025.com.
The 2025 World Police & Fire Games will take place in Birmingham, Alabama, June 27 through July 6, 2025.
The event will feature approximately 10,000 first responders from around the world competing in over 60
sports! For more information and to get involved, please contact jessie@bhm2025.com and follow
@bhm2025 on social media.
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About the World Police & Fire Games
The World Police & Fire Games is among the largest international events promoting physical fitness and
camaraderie among first responders. Featuring competitors from law enforcement and fire services across the
globe, the games emphasize the spirit of friendly competition and mutual respect.
- Published in BHM 2025
World Police & Fire Games Adding Firefighter Challenge as an Official Sport of The Games
Birmingham, AL – Two exciting, action-packed sporting events are converging in Birmingham, Alabama in 2025! For
the first time in its 33-year history, the TFT® Firefighter Challenge will be hosted as an official sport in the 2025 World
Police & Fire Games.
“We are honored to be collaborating with the World Police & Fire Games”, says Russell A. Jackson, Chief Executive
Officer of the First Responder Institute. “The admiration we have for their incredible sporting event goes without saying,
and to give firefighters around the world an opportunity to experience the best of what both organizations offers is
very exciting.”
The Birmingham Host Committee for the 2025 World Police & Fire Games is thrilled to announce this partnership as
well. “Once again the Birmingham Host Committee for the 2025 World Police & Fire Games is excited to partner with
Russell Jackson and his team. Bringing the Southeast Regional Classic to compete alongside the world’s First
Responders will be an incredibly exciting first-time addition to the WPFG,” said DJ Mackovets, CEO of the 2025 World
Police & Fire Games.
Firefighters in the SERVPRO® Firefighter Challenge League (FCL) will converge in the Greater Birmingham Area to
compete in the 2025 Southeast Regional Classic of the TFT® Firefighter Challenge Championship Series, during the
course of the BHM 2025 World Police & Fire Games. The public will have a front row seat to witness the physical
talents of these public safety professionals in action on the LION® Arena of the Brave challenge course, deemed by
ESPN as ‘the toughest two minutes in sports.’
Competitors from the designated Southeast states of the FCL will be vying for Southeast titles and records while
firefighters from anywhere in the world will be vying for overall honors. “Many of our incredible firefighter athletes train
year-round to not only perform at their best in this competition but to also be at their best when responding to your
911 emergency”, said Jackson. “This is their opportunity to have fun, earn some bragging rights for their fire
department, and to help inspire the next generation of firefighters.”
TFT® Firefighter Challenge competitors will have an early glimpse into all that Birmingham has to offer during the
2024 Firefighter Challenge US Nationals at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, to be held September 25 – 28, 2024 in
Hoover, Alabama. Firefighters will run the job skills-based course tackling what are known as the Five Essential
Functions™ wearing full turnout gear and a self-contained breathing apparatus provided by 3M™ Scott Fire & Safety.
Participants have three main categories to compete in: individual, tandem (2-person), and relay (3-5 person).
Competitions simulate the physical demands of real-life firefighting by climbing the five-story tower, hoisting, chopping,
dragging hoses, and rescuing a life-sized, 175-pound “victim” as they race against themselves, their opponents, and
the clock.
- Published in BHM 2025
Birmingham Praised in March WPFG Federation Meetings and Venue Tours
Before the 2025 World Police and Fire Games planning and promotion can proceed, the WPFG Federation leadership needed to visit proposed venues and meet with the Birmingham team to approve plans. Birmingham did not disappoint!
The Birmingham Host Committee was honored to host the WPFG Federation and teams from the 2023 Winnipeg WPFG & 2027 Perth WPFG organizers for an action-packed week to show them what the Magic City has in store. Important information was shared with the closing report from the 2023 Winnipeg Host Committee, as well as a preview from the 2027 Host Committee.
The daily Federation meetings concentrated on details for all aspects of producing this massive first responder event and how the city will roll out the red carpet. Areas beyond sports included athlete recruitment & ambassador program, special events including the opening and closing ceremonies, athletes village, press and media relations, government relations & public safety involvement.
The midday venue tours allowed our visitors and partners to view the city and its top-tier sport & entertainment venues. The group enjoyed walking through the downtown area and the BJCC which will be the hub of activity. The Birmingham team assisted as tour guides through the entire experience.
Evening events included a welcome social at Cahaba Brewing Company and gatherings at The Club and Le Fresca. On other nights we provided detailed entertainment information and allowed our visitors to explore and sample the city. The reviews are in, and they love Birmingham!
The intense work week with the Federation helped finalize many aspects of our hosting plans and the team is now putting the wheels in motion. Watch for more announcements in coming months as the excitement grows for the 2025 World Police & Fire Games!
- Published in BHM 2025
Krista Keeps Her Sunny Side Up
The Caribbean is known for its sunshine, and Krista Francis-Raymah, retired from the Trinidad and Tobago Fire Service, brings her smile and sunny disposition wherever she travels.
Krista has been a regular figure on the medal podium at World Police and Fire Games for her track and field performances, most recently winning two Gold and two Silver medals at the 2023 World Police and Fire Games in Winnipeg. Her consistent athletic prowess and positive spirit was recognized when Krista was inducted into the World Police and Fire Games Hall of Fame in 2022.
“It’s great! Traveling is one of my hobbies,” she exclaims. “I enjoy every minute of this. I’m going to push to get a big team to come to Birmingham in 2025.”
Athletics has always been part of Krista’s life. She started running at 8 years old, and in her first track competition she won her first race and then won the high jump. At that moment she was hooked on sports. She is quick to add that medals and winning is not the only reason motivating her.
“You want to win, of course, and I’m very competitive,” she asserts. “But after the race, we all hug each other. I love the camaraderie, and making lifelong friendships is special.”
Krista, 59, says her sport activity actually helped direct her towards her firefighting career due to her excellent physical fitness. “I was influenced by a family friend who is now passed who encouraged me to enter the service,” she explains. “I love helping people. As a fire officer we interact with the kids and are always prepared to help people in distress. If your house is on fire, someone is in distress.
“You have to keep your body in shape and eat properly to stay in the winner’s circle, and also to do the work of a firefighter,” she concludes.
The cheery track speedster is proud of her accomplishments and recognition. “I wanted to be a top professional athlete in my country,” she recalls. “It never happened early, but has happened at a masters level. That’s because I have kept consistent with what I was doing so I could achieve the highest level, and now I am in the World Police and Fire Games Hall of Fame!”
Krista is also particularly interested in being a positive influence to young people, especial females. “I am always encouraging women and girls who aspire to be in sports. I encourage them to start at a young age and build it up to be what you want to be.” She then adds with a laugh, “Look at where it got me!”
By Del Moon
- Published in Athlete Spotlight, BHM 2025
First Look: Inside Protective Stadium at the BJCC
Birmingham’s sports scene will soon have a big new addition.
On Oct. 2, UAB will take the field against Liberty University at the new Protective Stadium at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.
The stadium’s debut will make a huge victory for UAB Football, which was shut down nearly seven years ago before a remarkable – and successful rebirth. But it will also mark a pivotal point for Birmingham, which had been debating the merits of a new downtown football venue for decades.
The nearly $180 million stadium will seat 45,000 fans. It was built by Birmingham’s Brasfield & Gorrie with a number of local firms also involved in the project. In addition to UAB Football, the stadium will host a number of other sporting events, including the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2022 World Games. It also helped lure the Alabama state football championships back to the Magic City on a rotating basis.
Take a first look at the new stadium in the gallery above and look for more coverage about Protective Stadium and its impact on Birmingham at BBJ.com in the weeks to come.
Source: https://www.bizjournals.com
- Published in BHM 2025
Birmingham Awarded 2025 World Police and Fire Games
International multi-sport event expected to generate $75 million in economic impact.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (May 6, 2020) – The World Police and Fire Games Federation has awarded the 2025 World Police and Fire Games to Birmingham, Alabama, officials announced today. The decision comes following a presentation to the Federation’s Board of Directors by the Birmingham Bid Committee, which was led by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, City of Birmingham, and Jefferson County.
“From the beginning, we were impressed by all that Birmingham has to offer,” said LC Collins, World Police and Fire Games President. “We believe that this city is the whole package – from its venues, infrastructure and history of hosting major events, to its entertainment, dining, and attractions. This is a special place, and we are confident that our first responders, spectators and their families are going to be a part of an event to remember.”
The 2025 World Police and Fire Games, which will take place June 27 to July 6, will feature more than 10,000 first responders competing in 1,600 medal events. The full lineup of sports will be announced in the future but is expected to include more than 55 disciplines, ranging from more traditional offerings like cycling, golf, softball and angling, to unique competitions like ‘ultimate firefighter,’ ‘toughest competitor alive,’ CrossFit, stair climb, and dragon boat. Events will be hosted at more than 35 venues across the city and will be free and open for all spectators.
“Birmingham is thrilled to open its doors to the 2025 World Police and Fire Games,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. “We’re a city that thrives on the spirit of competition. When our world begins to return to a place of normalcy post-quarantine, it’s events like the World Police and Fire Games that will offer the camaraderie and celebration our residents are currently craving. It will be an incredible way to keep Birmingham’s momentum rolling following The World Games in 2022.”
“It’s exciting to be able to look past COVID-19 to a time when we will be able have events again,” added Jefferson County Commissioner Steve Ammons, “The World Police and Fire Games is expected to have an economic impact of $75 million on the Birmingham region and will showcase our home to over 150,000 people between athletes, supporters and spectators. I’m confident that we will be prepared to host in 2025, especially following our expected success of The World Games in 2022.”
Founded in 1987 as a biennial international sporting event, the World Police and Fire Games celebrates the service and dedication of first responders across the globe, and unites them to participate in a wide range of fierce-but-friendly athletic competitions equally built on competitiveness and comradery.
The 2025 World Police and Fire Games will further establish Birmingham as a premier sports event destination, building on the success of the city’s large-scale sporting events such as the 2017 National Senior Games and The World Games 2022.
“With The World Games 2022 and the 2025 World Police and Fire Games, Birmingham will host two of the top international amateur sports events in a four-year period, further establishing our area as an international sports destination,” John Oros, Jr., president and CEO of the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau, said. “These events and others of smaller size contribute heavily to our community’s economy and underline the importance of travel and tourism in the greater Birmingham area.”
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ABOUT THE 2025 WORLD POLICE AND FIRE GAMES
The 2025 World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) is an international sporting event set to unite thousands of First Responders from around the globe who will participate in a wide range of fierce-but-friendly athletic competitions built equally on competition and comradery. A multiweek competition that is free to attend, family friendly and entertaining for all ages, the 2025 WPFG will celebrate the service and dedication of First Responders as each biennial Games has since its founding in 1987. The 2025 WPFG will take place in Birmingham, Alabama – a city whose bright future in the heart of the American South is built on its continued commitment to progress, innovation and leadership. For more information about the 2025 WPFG, visit www.bhm2025.com.
- Published in BHM 2025
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