CPF Members Win Big at World Police and Fire Games
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| From left to right: CPF members Jaymes Butler, Derek Robinson and Bryan Wong, along with teammember Damon Tucker, took home the gold for the 400m freestyle relay. |
Held biennially, the World Police and Fire Games hosts over 60 sporting events, ranging from archery and lacrosse to soccer and water skiing. This year, the 10-day event was held in Vancouver, British Columbia, attracting over 10,000 competitors.
Kern County Fire Fighters Local 1301 President Derek Robinson was one of the competitors, who returned home with the gold. He added six gold medals to his collection and broke six World Game records in swimming including the butterfly, backstroke and relay events. Robinson currently holds 24 national titles and is a 12-time world champion.
"I swim to keep fit for the job since I don't like to run. Every now and then, it's good to focus on training for something," said Robinson, who swims three to five times a week, when his schedule allows.
In addition to his solo wins, he was part of a winning 400 meter freestyle relay team, which included CPF members Bryan Wong from San Jose Fire Fighters Local 230 and Jaymes Butler from Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522, as well as Damon Tucker, an investigator from the Orange County District Attorney's office.
For Bryan Wong, this was his second time competing at the World Police and Fire Games. He had previously also competed at the Western States Police and Fire Games, but the World Police and Fire Games offered a stronger level of competition, as well as the chance to meet other first responders from around the world.
"It's a great excuse to travel and it's fun to see people you haven't seen in awhile," Wong said.
Chino Valley firefighter and Local 3522 member Rob Wyatt wasn't really sure what to expect as a first-timer at the World Police and Fire Games this year. He was the only member from his local to go and his local paid his registration fees.
But after one gold, four silver and two bronze medal wins in various swimming competitions, he's planning on making the World Police and Fire Games a biennial tradition. He's already planning to attend the next World Police and Fire Games with his wife and daughter, which will take place in 2011 in New York City.
"We're already looking into making arrangements for our hotel," said Wyatt, with a grin. "That's going to be a fun one. And then in 2013, it's going to be in Belfast. That will be amazing. I hope we can make it."