June 28, 2025

Birmingham Hosts World Police and Fire Games, Honoring Heroes

News Summary

Birmingham is currently hosting the World Police and Fire Games, attracting over 8,500 first responders from 70 countries. Known as the ‘Game of Heroes,’ the event pays tribute to fallen heroes and celebrates the dedication of first responders. The opening ceremony featured tributes to firefighters and a deputy lost in the line of duty, while highlighting the resilience of a shark attack survivor. The games showcase over 60 Olympic-style events and are expected to boost the local economy significantly.

Birmingham Hosts World Police and Fire Games, Paying Tribute to Heroes

Birmingham is currently hosting the World Police and Fire Games, attracting over 8,500 first responders from more than 70 countries. Known as the “Game of Heroes,” the event commenced with opening ceremonies on July 12, 2023.

During the ceremony, the city honored firefighters Jordan Melton and Jamal Jones, who were both tragically affected by a shooting incident while doing routine maintenance at the BFRS Station 9 in the Norwood neighborhood early on the morning of July 12. Melton succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to UAB Hospital; Jones was recognized for his bravery and assisted in the display of the games’ flag.

The opening ceremony also highlighted Deputy Brad Johnson, who was shot and killed on June 30, 2022. His legacy catalyzed the creation of the Deputy Brad Johnson Act, aimed at reducing the accumulation of “good time” for inmates guilty of serious infractions. Johnson’s family participated in the opening ceremony, showing their ongoing support and commitment to promoting safety and awareness around the sacrifices made by first responders.

Among the honored guests was 15-year-old Lulu Gribbin, a shark attack survivor who has shown remarkable resilience in her recovery journey. Gribbin played a key role in lighting the ceremonial flame, symbolizing hope and remembrance for those who serve. Additionally, Springville Fire Captain James Robinson, who survived a heart attack, advocated for CPR training and first responder health, lending his support at the ceremony.

The World Police and Fire Games feature more than 60 Olympic-style events, including swimming, track and field, police action combat, and the “toughest competitor alive” challenges. The Birmingham economy is poised to gain significantly from the event, with projections estimating an infusion of $65 million into local businesses by 2025.

As the games continue, all host hotels for the 2025 edition have been fully booked, indicating substantial interest from athletes traveling from countries such as Belgium and Brazil. The games, often likened to a mini Olympics, showcase a diverse array of sports that highlight the dedication, camaraderie, and passion shared by law enforcement officers and firefighters from around the world.

The event is set to run until July 6, utilizing a variety of important local venues including the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC), Barber Motorsports Park, and Talladega Speedway. For the first time, an Athletes Village has been established to serve as a central hub for participants to convene, fostering a spirit of unity among athletes who are dedicated to their roles in community service and protection.

The ongoing games not only celebrate athleticism but also pay tribute to the heroes who put their lives on the line every day. With such a gathering of first responders, the spirit of unity and commitment to serve their communities is palpable, reminding attendees of the significant impact these individuals have on society.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER

The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.

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