The World Police and Fire Games are a biennial, international sporting event in which police officers, firefighters, customs, and corrections officers from around the world come together to compete in athletic and sporting events. This event, founded in 1985, has grown to include nearly 12,000 athletes from all over the world who will compete in more than 65 events. This year the WPFG will be held in Fairfax, VA and the National Capital Region from June 26th through July 5th.
We are excited to announce that the Officer Down Memorial Page will have a representative at this year's games! Chris Cosgriff, Founder and Director of ODMP, is also a full-time police officer in the state of Virginia. He'll be a participant in the Games, riding in the 43.5 mile cycling road race. This will be his first time participating in the World Police and Fire Games.
"I think it's going to be a really great experience and I'm looking forward to participating. With so many public safety professionals from all around the world coming together to compete, the WPFG is a really unique event," says Cosgriff.
Cosgriff, an avid cyclist, also participated in Law Enforcement United's Road to Hope bicycle ride during National Police Week this year, his fifth consecutive time taking part in that event. The Road to Hope honors the service and sacrifices of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.
"The WPFG will be a very different experience from the LEU Road to Hope, I'm sure," adds Cosgriff. "The Road to Hope event pays tribute to fallen law enforcement, so the the purpose behind the ride is very different. At the Games, though, it's more about the competition and camaraderie. I'm honored to represent my police department and the Officer Down Memorial Page."
Learn more about the World Police and Fire Games here and make sure to check in and see how Cosgriff fares in the cycling road race.