Huntsville first responders bring home the glory from 2025 World Police & Fire Games

Athletes from the Huntsville Police Department (HPD) and Huntsville Fire & Rescue (HFR) showcased their skills and determination during the 2025 World Police & Fire Games, in Birmingham, Alabama June 27-July 6.

More than 8,500 competitors from over 70 countries took part in this year’s Games, which spanned 10 days and featured 60+ events ranging from CrossFit to Jiu-Jitsu to ice hockey. Men and women from both City departments not only competed with heart, but brought home medals, memories and major bragging rights.

“This was more than a competition,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “It was a moment of pride for our City. These men and women represented Huntsville and the United States with grit, sportsmanship and a whole lot of talent.”

Huntsville Police Department Highlights

A committed group of HPD officers competed with pride, including Brendan Messex, Jerry King, Thomas Gargulinski, Brett Collum, Luke Alexander, Ashley Moran, Thomas Massey, Daniel Hutchison, Ben Johnson, Jordan Gober, Dillon Killingsworth and others.

• Gold: Brendan Messex and Jerry King (Jiu-Jitsu)
• Silver: Thomas Gargulinski (Police Action Pistol, Super Senior Division), Brett Collum (Boxing, Heavyweight Novice)
• Bronze: Luke Alexander and Ashley Moran (No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu), Thomas Massey (Police Action Pistol, Revolver Class)

HPD athletes also held their own in CrossFit and secured a Top 10 global ranking in Police Pistol Combat.

Beyond the podium, officers engaged in the long-standing traditions of patch trading and challenge coin exchanges, forging international camaraderie with fellow public safety professionals.

“This experience was about more than medal,” HPD Chief Kirk Giles said. “It was about showing up for each other, representing our community and proving that public safety professionals are some of the toughest, most dedicated people you’ll ever meet.”

Huntsville Fire & Rescue Highlights:

These dedicated firefighters showcased teamwork, skill and resilience across multiple events, earning well-deserved recognition.

• Gold: Eric Weatherford, Corey Robinson, Sean Patrick, Michael Mahoney, Wellington Hope, Taylor Fulmer, Richard Keslo, L’Erick Looney and Erick De La Pena (Honor Guard)
• Silver: Matt Seikel and Chris Elrod, competing alongside LA County Fire (Ice Hockey)
• Honorable Mention: 20+ HFR athletes and Coach Pat Sanders (Baseball); Jimmy Davis, Calvin Hadden, Brandon Wilson and Chad Beddingfield (Relay Events); Kevin Primeau (Jiu-Jitsu)

“These men and women exemplified what it means to serve with heart – on and off the field,” HFR Chief Howard McFarlen said. “They trained hard, competed harder and brought immense pride to Huntsville Fire & Rescue.”

With Birmingham in the rearview mirror, eyes now turn to Perth, Australia – the next host city for the 2027 World Police & Fire Games.