Police And Firefighters Converge On LA For World Police & Fire Games

LOS ANGELES, CA — Officials at Los Angeles International Airport said they are rolling out the red carpet for participants in the 2017 World Police & Fire Games, with some of its thousands of participants expected to arrive Thursday.

The biannual, 10-day Olympics-style competition is being hosted by Los Angeles, with the opening ceremonies set to take place at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum on Monday. The competition will feature men and women from police and fire agencies from more than 70 countries competing in 65 events at more than two dozen venues in the L.A. area.

"The World Police and Fire Games bring together the best of the best from around the world, and LAX could not be more pleased to welcome these incredible first responders, who are shining examples of dedication to their communities and their profession," said Trevor Daley, deputy executive director of external affairs at Los Angeles World Airports.

"We send our best wishes to all of the athletes, especially those competing from our Airport Police Department family. We know that the experience here in Los Angeles will be once in a lifetime, and Los Angeles World Airports looks forward to rolling out the red and blue carpet for the athletes and fans," he said.

Members of the Los Angeles Airport Police, Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles Fire Department will be among the 8,000 expected athletes participating in events.

"The World Police and Fire Games are a great opportunity to come together for camaraderie and friendly competition," LAX Airport Police Chief David Maggard said. "I wish the best to all participants, and particularly the fine officers representing the Los Angeles Airport Police."

Los Angeles World Airports said it is taking an active role in welcoming the athletes by changing the colors of the iconic LAX pylons to blue and red in honor of police and fire, producing a 30-second video welcoming the athletes to Los Angeles which will play for anyone logging-on to the LAX free Wi-Fi, and coordinating with local police officers to welcome and escort dignitaries and large international groups.

On behalf of the World Police and Fire Games Federation, I want to extend our greetings and best wishes to all competitors, families and friends and a heartfelt welcome to the 17th World Police and Fire Games in Los Angeles," said Michael Graham, president of the California Police Athletic Foundation.

City News Service; Photo: Youtube Screengrab