LIMESTONE Coast Metropolitan Fire Service Regional Commander Mark Searcy returned from the 2017 World Police and Fire Games in Los Angeles with fond memories and a gold medal to boot.
Searcy has attended the games over the last 14 years and boasts seven gold, four silver and one bronze medal, all of which are proudly displayed on his office wall at the Mount Gambier station.
A spectacular international sporting event, the games are held every second year and open to active and retired police officers and fire fighters as an opportunity to showcase their athletic excellence in over 65 sporting events.
“It is a 10-day event and attracts around 12,000 athletes from 70 countries – it’s just massive,” Searcy said.
“I started going to the games in 2003 when Barcelona was the host city and I helped run events when the games were held in Adelaide in 2007.
“I have won a number of gold, silver and bronze medals for dragon boats and angling events – this year’s medal was for the dragon boat event.”
Similar to a rowing event, a dragon boat comprises 10 or 20 paddlers working in pairs with one drummer and one sweep.
The South Australian Fire Power team beat the LAPD Paddling Pigs, Philadelphia Police and Antwerp Fire Bears to finish in first place.
“The race lengths vary, but I like this one because it is only 250m – it is only just over one minute of effort and you are sitting down as well,” Searcy said with a laugh.
“There are fire fighter specific events like the bucket brigade and hose cart race and the police have shooting events and police dog events.
“Of course there are the athletics events, basketball and other team sports including fishing, darts and eight ball, so all the retired officers can be involved as well.”
Searcy said a highlight each year was catching up with old friends from different parts of the world.
“You always catch up with the same people, which is great fun,” he said.
“We formed close relationships when we hosted the games in Adelaide and you often bump into friends when you go travelling.
“Normally about 50 people attend from the MFS every year and a dozen or so police officers from South Australia.”
The always hotly anticipated fire fighters calendar is a major fundraiser to sponsor members to compete at the games.
“We produce the calendar every two years and between that and sausage sizzles and quiz nights we raise funds to assist our members with part proceeds going to the Adelaide Children’s Hospital Foundation,” Searcy said.
Searcy intends to travel to China for the 2019 games in Chengdu and will aspire to add another accolade to his wall.
