| The 2009 Western States Police & Fire Games |
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One of the largest multi-sport athletic events in the world is coming to L.A. County. From June 13 through June 20, 2009, law enforcement and fire service employees primarily from 14 states, as well as other states in the U.S., will compete for medals and bragging rights at the 2009 Western States Police & Fire Games (WSPFG). The games are held every year in the western U.S. and attract over 5,000 competitors for the 60 or so events ranging from angling to wrestling.
Sheriff Lee Baca, an avid runner, said, “These events are about more than personal fitness and reducing stress for a happier and longer life. Men and women from hundreds of agencies train and challenge themselves individually for a long time leading up to the games. They then go toe to toe with each other, pushing themselves to their limits, just as they often do on the job. They also enjoy the camaraderie that comes from a job well done, alongside their fellow law enforcement and fire service competitors, families, and friends.” Director Jonna Wiltshire promises the games next year will be bigger and better than ever. She said, “The venues are top notch and very close together, which will allow the competitors to watch each other’s events when their own is finished.” While the vast majority of the events will take place in the Santa Clarita Valley, a few will take place in other great venues throughout Los Angeles County, such as: Golf in Sunland, Equestrian in Rolling Hills Estates, Rifle Large Bore in Palmdale, and Motorcycle Dirt Bike in Gorman. The games originated in 1967 as the California Police Olympics, and Pasadena PD last hosted the games in L.A. County in 1999; before that, Long Beach PD hosted in 1996. The name changed to the California Police and Fire Games in 2000 when firefighters joined this sporting challenge. In 2005, the name of the games changed to become the WSPFG. It was most recently held in San Diego in 2006 and Mesa, Arizona in 2007. As a warm up to the 2009 games in L.A. County, you can attend or compete in the 2008 WSPFG that are being held in Boise, Idaho, from August 16 - 23, 2008. To see a list of events, locations, and travel planning, visit the website at: www.2008wspfg.org. The California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF) governs the games and lists information including the Hall of Famers and WSPFG records on its website at http://www.cpaf.org So get ready, get fit and prepare to have some fun. If you prefer to volunteer and be close to the action and excitement, there are plenty of opportunities at your favorite part of the games. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Jonna Wiltshire (Sgt., LASD), Natalie Salazar or Cathy Stapleton, who is heading up the volunteer committee. For more information go to: www.wspfg2009.org Mike Parker is a lieutenant with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. Published with permission from the Spring 2008 Peace Officers Association of Los Angeles County Journal, www.poalac.org Comments (0)
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Over 18,000 spectators are expected to attend and take part in the spirit of the games, as well as the daily family social activities, and social-entertainment events each evening. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (www.lasd.org) and the city of Santa Clarita (www.VisitSantaClarita.com) are hosting the 2009 games.
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