Behind the Badge
More than 8,000 police officers and firefighters from more than 70 countries will run, kick, pedal, skate and paddle into Los Angeles over the next two weeks for the 2017 World Police and Fire Games.
For the first time in the 32-year history of the games, the biennial spectacle will be held in LA, making it the best showcase for competitors in Orange County law enforcement and firefighting in a generation.
The largest contingent of local athletes come from Anaheim PD, which will send 13 officers to compete in events as diverse as ice hockey, soccer, archery, cycling, track and field, Crossfit, surfing and the “Toughest Competitor Alive” contest.
“Our officers take these events very seriously,” says Marci Guzman, wellness coordinator for APD. “They have extreme pride in representing themselves and the department at these events. They are very competitive by nature and hold themselves to the highest standards in all areas of their life.”
Guzman says it’s important to see them as athletes.
“They exemplify the mindset and characteristics of athletes by taking steps such as seeking my advice in their preparations and recovery to ensure they are training properly and efficiently to achieve the highest level of performance that they can,” she says. “It’s exciting to see them flourish in their chosen profession as well as respective competitions because of the passion and commitment to both.”
Events like the World Games also can play a key role in creating healthier working environments because of the unique nature of law enforcement, Guzman says.
“In many ways, it mirrors athletes,” she says. “Both can be very physically demanding jobs at times and require advanced physical attributes in order to be successful in their desired field, for athletes in their performance in athletics endeavors and law enforcement in order to protect the community and survive. Events such as these draw on those skills and our company, Wellness Solutions, has assisted first responders for the last 20 years in achieving higher fitness levels to succeed in their profession,” Guzman says.
“We have found that athletic events such as these increase awareness of the athletic requirements of their jobs. In addition, as first responders train for these events, their colleagues can be motivated to improve their own health.”
Here’s a look at 11 of the 13 athlete-officers competing:
Jon Acuna
Rank/title: Investigator with the Tourist Oriented Policing team
Years in law enforcement: 22
Sport: Hockey
Why did you choose to compete in the world games and what does competing in the games mean to you?
Acuna: This will be my fourth time competing in the world games for the hockey competition, [after]2005 in Quebec City, Canada, 2009 in Vancouver and 2011 in New York.
I have been playing hockey since 1991 (started way late in life) but fell in love with the sport after being introduced to it by some high school friends who played hockey. I began playing in adult/beer leagues.
I grew up playing typical sports in California like football, baseball and soccer. I guess I missed the competition of playing sports and got involved in hockey.
It’s a chance to compete with all my heroes — Firemen and Law Enforcement officers — from all over the world. I enjoy the spirit of competition and the camaraderie with my teammates. We are all in it to have a good time and play the sport we love. At my age, 46, there is very little left in the tank so this will probably be my last world games. But who knows? I may compete in the 45+ division in the future.
What is it about your sport you like best?
I like hockey because of the fast pace. The sport combines speed, skill and strategy. You actually have to think out there and try to anticipate the play. There is no sport like it.
Anaheim PD Sgt. Johnathan Bailey signed up for the Toughest Competitor Alive competition, a series of eight grueling events which consists of the 5k run, shot put, 100m dash, 100m swim, 20-foot rope climb, bench press, pull-ups and the obstacle course.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Johnathan Bailey
Rank/title: Sergeant, patrol
Years in law enforcement: 19
Sport: Toughest Competitor Alive
Why did you choose to compete in the world games and what does competing in the games mean to you?
Ever since I was a young APD front counter cadet, I wanted to someday participate in the Police Olympics, especially the TCA event — at the time it was called Toughest Cop Alive. I would hear of officers destroying the competition and taking the podium. Some of those officers are still around APD such as Officer Chris Ned and Lt. Alan Roman. I always thought it would be awesome to not only represent the Anaheim Police Department, but in this case, my country. And since I’m no Michael Phelps, I realize this is my only chance to fulfill this dream. My only regret is doing this so late. I really wish I could have done this with my mother cheering me on from the sidelines. She has passed from this world, but I know deep down inside she still is my biggest supporter.
What is it about your sport you like best?
The Toughest Competitor Alive event is just that: to find out in one day how you stack up with the rest of the world who are in your career. It is friendly competition that I always seek: eight events including a 5k, 100m sprint, 100m swim, 20-foot legless rope climb, pull ups, bench press, shot put and an obstacle course. Eight completely different events, some of which people will shine, and others maybe not so much, but it’s that feeling of the unknown. That sense of can I really do this at a competitive level? How will I react? Will I fight through or crumble? In essence, for me it’s a gut check to see how I will handle the uncertainties of competition, which in a weird way for me is a gauge on how I will manage the uncertainties of my life to come.
Officer Shawn Boatright will be competing in longboard and shortboard surfing in the 2017 World Police and Fire Games taking place this month in the greater Los Angeles area.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Shawn Boatright
Rank/title: officer, resort detail (bike patrol)
Years in law enforcement: 26 years
Sport: Surfing
Why did you choose to compete in the world games and what does competing in the games mean to you?
I’ve competed in the past in the Western Police and Fire games and I was encouraged by my friends there to compete, but really it’s more the fun and camaraderie of it. It’s kind of an ongoing thing. Even if I get blown out in the second round, it’s a great vibe and a chance to see (other competitors) again.
What is it about your sport you like best?
I think it’s an appreciation of nature at its most unspoiled sense and it forces you to get out there and stay in shape. And it translates into other things. It teaches you how to control your breathing, your sense of panic if conditions are big. And no two waves are exactly the same.
Anaheim PD Sgt. Chris Cooper will be competing on the hockey team at the 2017 World Police and Fire Games taking place this month in the greater Los Angeles area.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Chris Cooper
Rank/title: Sergeant, Patrol Team 3
Years in Law Enforcement: 15
Sport: Hockey
Why did you choose to compete in the world games and what does competing in the games mean to you?
I enjoy the atmosphere and dedication of all the athletes. I’m looking forward to playing Moscow. My favorite hockey players were born in Russia and they have their own style of hockey.
What is it about your sport you like best?
I love hockey because it’s like law enforcement: It’s a team effort. You can be the best player in the world, but you have no chance of winning alone.
Lorenzo Glenn
Rank/Title: Lieutenant
Years in law enforcement: 26
Sport: Track & field
Why did you choose to compete in the world games and what does competing in the games mean to you?
I was actually talked into competing this year. The last time I competed was in 1999 in the Toughest Cop Alive team division. I’m on the tail end of my career and thought since the World Police and Fire games are in LA, why not compete?
What is it about your sport you like best?
I like watching track & field, rather than competing. But in track & field, the races are exciting and fun to watch.
Anaheim PD Sgt. Mike Lozeau will be competing as a member of the hockey team at the 2017 World Police and Fire Games taking place this month in the greater Los Angeles area.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OCMike Lozeau
Position and rank: Sergeant, Homeless Outreach Team and Psychiatric Emergency Response Team
Years in law enforcement: 29
Sport: Hockey
Why did you choose to compete in the world games and what does competing in the games mean to you?
In my mid-20s, 30s and early 40s, our multi-agency police/fire ice hockey team competed in the games for many years. We medaled roughly 16 times over the years competing. Our team hasn’t played during the past few years, so we decided to compete one more time since some of us are close to retirement — including myself.
What is it about your sport you like best?
I grew up playing ice hockey in Montreal, Canada and therefore hockey is in my blood. Hockey has been a good stress relief from the job.
Gus Maya
Rank/Title: Homicide detective
Years in law enforcement: 14
Sport: Cycling (road racing)
Why did you choose to compete in the world games and what does competing in the games mean to you?
As first responders, we have to stay in good physical shape, which includes cycling for me. Being able to compete against our brothers and sisters from around the world makes it that much more fun to take part in the [World Games].
What is it about your sport you like best?
Cycling allows me to build my fitness, competition and camaraderie with my riding partners.
Anaheim PD Investigator Erin Moore will be competing in track and field, including the 100m dash, 4×100 and the 200m at the 2017 World Police and Fire Games taking place this month in the greater Los Angeles area.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Erin Moore
Rank/title: police investigator
Years in law enforcement: 15
Sport: track and field (100, 200 meters and 4X100 meters race)
Why did you choose to compete in the world games and what does competing in the games mean to you?
I ran track in high school 20 years ago and I have been wanting to run track and field at the Olympics since I started my career. After having three children, recovering from a broken ankle and getting much older, I’ve trained and decided to finally follow through. I’m not 100 percent and still feel pain, but after hearing the pain will never go away, I’ve decided to give it a try and accomplish my dream of participating, to represent the city of Anaheim and all of my fellow players who work hard daily to protect others and overcome any odds against them.
What is it about your sport you like best?
I love the bolt of energy, the raw, fast-paced speed and overall grit of running sprints.
Flora Palma
Rank/title: Patrol officer
Years in law enforcement: 9
Sport: Soccer
Why did you choose to compete in the world games and what does competing in the games mean to you?
This is my fourth year participating in the police and fire games. I played soccer in high school and college, so naturally, one of my goals when I became an officer was to make the law enforcement team.
There are 13 different California agencies that compile my team. It’s an honor to play with all the women who come from all over Southern California. Everyone plays with so much heart and they inspire me to continue to play, long after my golden years. We have so many different levels of rank on the team, but when we lace up our boots and step on the field we are all equal teammates pushing each other for the gold.
I love playing with these ladies and the camaraderie is what keeps me coming back year after year. They are an awesome group!
What is it about your sport you like best?
The thing I love most about soccer is I can honestly say, when I’m suited up and step on the field I am nothing but a soccer player. For 90 minutes, I feel like a kid again with no responsibilities, and it’s awesome.
Anaheim PD Officer Caryn Sabeh will be competing with the women’s soccer team in the 2017 World Police and Fire Games taking place this month in the greater Los Angeles area.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Caryn Sabeh
Rank/title: police officer
Years in law enforcement: 5
Sport: Soccer
Why did you choose to compete in the world games and what does competing in the games mean to you?
I have been playing in the police and fire games for the last two years and look forward to playing with the same amazing ladies on our soccer team and taking home the gold this year!
What is it about your sport you like best?
I’ve been playing it for 22 years now. It’s a great way to stay in shape and relieve stress. The melting pot team that we have put together called SoCal is made up of a bunch of amazing wonderful women all with different backgrounds, ranks or departments. However, when we get on that soccer field all of that goes away and we come together as a team regardless if you’re a green or blue canary or a fire monkey. I love how we work together to achieve a win for our SoCal melting pot team, and this year we are bringing the gold home!
Jonathan Yepes
Rank/title: Sergeant
Years in law enforcement: 17
Sport: Cycling (Road racing)
Why did you choose to compete in the world games and what does competing in the games mean to you?
I chose to compete in the world games for the opportunity to meet other first responders from around the globe. I look forward to competing with them and making memories I can look back on, and to express my passion for competition.
What is it about your sport you like best?
I will be competing in the cycling road race. What I love about cycling is that it allows me to burn off the “crazy” or stress of daily life. It allows me to be alone with my thoughts or to ride with a group of friends to joke and laugh at one another. Either way, I love being on my bike when family time permits and when work doesn’t get in the way.
