This summer, the World Police and Fire Games in Birmingham turned into a showcase of hometown talent when Mobile’s finest first responders brought home shiny hardware.
With over 70 nations vying in Olympic-style competitions, our crews slipped into uniforms and switched gears from public service to friendly rivalry.
By the time closing ceremonies rolled around, Mobile Police Officer Deffery Hollis had secured a gold medal in the challenge ride and a bronze in the slow ride—proof that hard work and cool nerves can triumph under pressure.
Practice Makes Perfect
Months of pedal-to-the-metal training paid off in spectacular fashion.
Officer Josh Hart, who zoomed to silver in the challenge ride, admits the drills back home prepared him for high-stakes performances.
“You ride clean, you ride fast,” he explained with a grin. That mantra echoed through every bend of the course.
At home, local riders that navigate winding bayou roads and early-morning shifts know the value of steady practice.
When the stakes rise, muscle memory takes over—and Mobile’s finest had plenty of miles under their belts.
Mile-High Barricade Bonus
Hart chuckled as he described a surprise twist on the challenge ride: a barricade that had to be lifted out of the way.
“Moving barricades around is practically a Mardi Gras tradition here,” he said.
In Mobile, crews spend carnival season hauling fence panels, directing parades, and keeping crowds safe.
That hands-on experience proved priceless on the competition course, where agility and strength came into play in equal measure.
It’s a reminder that hometown duties can sharpen skills you never realized you’d need.
From Foot Fracture to Fourth Place
On the firefighter side, Colin Ryan raced through a triathlon despite a broken foot suffered in May.
Between swim laps, bike mileage, and pounding pavement, he battled discomfort and rising excitement.
“I got clearance just two weeks before race day,” Ryan recalled.
His ten years of triathlon adventures—from sprint distances to full Ironman challenges—kept him focused.
Even at fourth place, Ryan’s performance highlighted resilience and passion.
After all, pushing through pain is part of life on call and part of Mobile’s spirit when weather or workload seems daunting.
Eyes on Perth 2027
With the medal tally shining and stories to share, Mobile’s team is already charting a course for Perth, Australia.
Officer Ryan Blakey summed it up best: “Representing our city on a global stage felt incredible.”
He’s talking logistics, gear upgrades, and training plans—all while keeping shifts on the beat.
When September’s humidity reminds you of long workouts or storm-season sweats, think of how these first responders turned warm southern days into an edge on the world stage.
In every medal and every mile, Mobile’s first responders carried hometown pride all the way to international competition.
From navigating crowded festival streets to lifting heavy barricades, the skills they hone here fuel performances abroad.
And as they gear up for the 2027 Games, the rest of us will be cheering them on—rooting for those who keep our city safe and then pedal, run, and climb to greatness when the world watches.
If you’d like to check out other news stories, hop over to our news corner.
