The City of Carrollton recently hosted the 2010 Georgia Police and Fire Games on June 13^th through the 19^th. Events included Toughest Cop, Toughest Firefighter, Softball, Mountain Bike, Cycling, 5k Road Race, Bass Tournament, Shooting Events and numerous other events. Although participation was down this year due to the economy, there were still some 500 participants from across the state that converged on the City of Carrollton to demonstrate their skills.

            The Georgia Police and Fire Games were formed in Carrollton, Georgia in 1984. The Games started after Officer James Perry of the Carrollton Police Department read about other state games. Perry approached Jim Herbert, then with the Carrollton Parks and Recreation Department, and outlined his idea for the Games. Together, they worked with the City Manager’s office and obtained approval and financial backing to pursue the establishment of the Games. Since the Game’s inaugural competition in June of 1985, they have grown from less than three hundred to over one thousand participants. Participation grows every year. The Georgia Police and Fire Games are here to stay! The board of directors is in place and currently serves as a governing body for the Games. The Games are moved around the state by application and bid process every two years. Generally the host city’s recreation department, Sports Council and/or Convention and Visitors Bureau coordinates and directs the Games. It is the goal of the board of directors to promote physical fitness and educational exchange that benefits all Law Enforcement and Fire Department Personnel of the State of Georgia.

            Members of the Carrollton Fire Department who placed in this year’s games are:

• Wendell Perry             1^st Place           Billiards  8 ball
• Ken Thompson            2^ndPlace           Billiards  8 ball
• Wendell Perry             1^stPlace            Billiards  9 ball
• Billy Henderson           2^nd Place          Billiards  9 ball
• Keith Graves                1^stPlace           5k Road Race (30-34 bracket)
• Adam May                  3^rd Place            Toughest Firefighter (24-29 bracket)

            We are very proud in Carrollton, Georgia to be the host City and County for the 2010 and 2011 Georgia Police and Fire Games. Anyone interested in participating, sponsoring, or just want to watch should visit the following website for information for next year’s games.

www.gapoliceandfiregames.org