Latest news with #WorldPoliceFireGames
CTV News
08-07-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Sault police officer wins bronze at World Police & Fire Games
Special Constable Arbaaz Dhaliwal earned a bronze medal in the 50-metre backstroke at the World Police & Fire Games in Birmingham, Alabama on July 2, 2025. (Supplied/Sault Ste. Marie Police Service) A member of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service made history by becoming the first from the force to compete – and medal – at the World Police & Fire Games. Special Constable Arbaaz Dhaliwal - Bronze at podium Special Constable Arbaaz Dhaliwal earned a bronze medal in the 50-metre backstroke at the World Police & Fire Games in Birmingham, Alabama on July 2, 2025. (Supplied/Sault Ste. Marie Police Service) Special Constable Arbaaz Dhaliwal earned a bronze medal in the 50-metre backstroke and placed fourth in the 100-metre backstroke at the international competition, held this year in Birmingham, Alabama, from June 27 - July 6. The event draws thousands of law enforcement and emergency services personnel from around the world. 'We congratulate Special Constable Dhaliwal on his outstanding performance,' the police service said in a news release. Special Constable Arbaaz Dhaliwal - Bronze Special Constable Arbaaz Dhaliwal earned a bronze medal in the 50-metre backstroke at the World Police & Fire Games in Birmingham, Alabama on July 2, 2025. (Supplied/Sault Ste. Marie Police Service) Dhaliwal, who also serves as a court security officer, represented Canada alongside athletes from more than 70 countries. The next World Police & Fire Games will take place in Perth, Australia, in 2027, where Dhaliwal is expected to compete again. Sault police say they look forward to cheering him on in future competitions.
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
B.C. firefighter says he was denied entry to U.S.: 'Good enough to fight their wars but not good enough to cross their borders'
A B.C. firefighter says he was denied entry into the United States, where he was going to take part in a competition for First Responders from different countries around the world. Jamie Flynn posted on social media on Thursday to detail what happened to him when he was en route to Birmingham, Alabama. He said he was supposed to represent Vancouver firefighters in the Jiu Jitsu category at the World Police & Fire Games. Flynn, who is a British citizen, described the games as an 'international event uniting frontline responders through sport,' in a post on Instagram. 'Being denied entry to the United States is deeply upsetting,' he told National Post in an emailed statement on Friday. 'I lost my flights, my time away, and my opportunity to compete at the World Police & Fire Games in Alabama — an event I had trained extensively for.' Flynn said he is a British citizen living in Canada as a permanent resident. He is a firefighter in Vancouver and volunteers with Squamish Search and Rescue. He has served in the British Parachute Regiment (SFSG) and has also served alongside U.S. forces under Joint Special Operations Command. 'I operated under U.S. command, wore the American uniform, and fought under the American flag. I've always felt a strong bond with the United States,' he told National Post. 'I have no criminal record and no known issues that would justify this denial.' In his post on Instagram, he said he trained for the competition in the U.S. for months. 'And still, I'm grounded — sidelined not by injury or lack of effort, but by bureaucracy and silence,' he wrote. Flynn intended to fly to Alabama from Vancouver International Airport on Wednesday. He never made his flight because his Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) had expired and would not be renewed, Global News reported. He said he received an update on the ESTA app that said, 'Travel not authorized.' ESTA is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is valid for two years, or until a passport expires, and allows for multiple entries. If a traveller receives a 'travel not authorized' response to their application, CBP says online that they can look into applying for a visa if they still wish to enter the country. The denial only prohibits travel under the Visa Waiver Program and does not determine eligibility for a visa, per the agency. Canadian citizens travelling with a Canadian passport do not need to apply for an ESTA. Flynn said that he did not receive an explanation from anyone at the U.S. border, the U.S. consulate or the ESTA program. 'This feels like a clerical error,' he said, and, he added, it's cost him thousands of dollars. 'I'm gutted. I'm angry. And I want answers.' He ended the post with the line: 'We were good enough to fight their wars — but not good enough to cross their borders.' Flynn told National Post that he is looking forward to being able to visit the U.S. again in the near future. He has since submitted a visa application. Unfortunately, he said, the earliest available appointment is Feb. 11, 2027. University of Toronto law professor and Rebecca Cook Chair in Human Rights Law Audrey Macklin said her advice for travellers going to the U.S. is to avoid it altogether 'unless absolutely necessary.' 'Even at the best of times, states often treat non-citizens arbitrarily, and do not feel obliged to explain their actions,' she told National Post over email. 'This is sometimes justified on the ground that non-citizens do not have a right to enter, and therefore have no standing to complain about how a decision to admit or exclude is made. Since the rule of law is in free fall in the United States at the moment, the arbitrariness is more extreme, more coercive, and more frequent. That is why travellers should avoid the United States if they can.' U.S. Customs and Border Protection Public Affairs Officer Jessica Turner said in an emailed statement to National Post that 'CBP cannot comment on specifics regarding travellers' ESTA denials.' 'U.S. Embassies and Consulates are not able to provide details about ESTA denials or resolve the issue that caused the ESTA denial,' she said. 'Embassies and Consulates will process an application for a non-immigrant visa, which, if approved, will be the only way that a traveler whose ESTA application has been denied would be authorized to travel to the U.S.' U.S. deports 70-year-old man after he 'violently' kicked a customs dog at an airport U.S. man drives into Canada by mistake, gets busted with 78 pounds of pot on the way back Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.
National Post
27-06-2025
- National Post
Canadian firefighter says he was denied entry to the U.S.
A B.C. firefighter says he was denied entry into the United States, where he was going to take part in a competition for First Responders from different countries around the world. Article content Jamie Flynn posted on social media on Thursday to detail what happened to him when he was en route to Birmingham, Alabama. He said he was supposed to represent Vancouver firefighters in the Jiu Jitsu category at the World Police & Fire Games. He described the games as an 'international event uniting frontline responders through sport,' in a post on Instagram. Article content 'Being denied entry to the United States is deeply upsetting,' he told National Post in an emailed statement on Friday. Article content 'I lost my flights, my time away, and my opportunity to compete at the World Police & Fire Games in Alabama — an event I had trained extensively for.' Article content View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jamie Flynn (@jamieflynnbase) Article content Flynn said he is a British citizen living in Canada as a permanent resident. Article content Article content He is a firefighter in Vancouver and volunteers with Squamish Search and Rescue. He has served in the British Parachute Regiment (SFSG) and has also served alongside U.S. forces under Joint Special Operations Command. Article content 'I operated under U.S. command, wore the American uniform, and fought under the American flag. I've always felt a strong bond with the United States,' he told National Post. 'I have no criminal record and no known issues that would justify this denial.' Article content In his post on Instagram, he said he trained for the competition in the U.S. for months. 'And still, I'm grounded — sidelined not by injury or lack of effort, but by bureaucracy and silence,' he wrote. Article content Flynn intended to fly to Alabama from Vancouver International Airport on Wednesday. He never made his flight because his Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) had expired and would not be renewed, Global News reported. He said he received an update on the ESTA app that said, 'Travel not authorized.' Article content Article content ESTA is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is valid for two years, or until a passport expires, and allows for multiple entries. Article content Article content If a traveller receives a 'travel not authorized' response to their application, CBP says online that they can look into applying for a visa if they still wish to enter the country. The denial only prohibits travel under the Visa Waiver Program and does not determine eligibility for a visa, per the agency.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Meet the Sport Clips Haircuts-Sponsored First Responders Competing in the 2025 World Police & Fire Games
GEORGETOWN, Texas, June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sport Clips Haircuts, the place for men's and boys' haircare, is sponsoring five first responders who will compete in the 2025 World Police & Fire Games. Its "Honoring our Heroes" outreach asked first responders to submit a brief video sharing why they should be chosen for an all-expenses paid trip to compete in the Birmingham, Ala. event. Representing Sport Clips in the 2025 World Police & Fire Games will be: Andy Gerdt – Ret. Police Officer Carmel Police Department, Sevierville, TN (Tennis) Sydney Davis – Pierce County Sheriff's Officer, Tacoma, WA (Track & Field) Gary Hirata – Ret. Sergeant San Jose Police Department, El Dorado Hills, CA (Bench Press) Martin Robertson – Firefighter Austin Fire Department, New Braunfels, TX (Pickleball) Chris Robertson – Firefighter Austin Fire Department, Austin, TX (Pickleball) Andy is a third-generation officer with family members who have more than 200 years of public service. Sydney says she became a first responder to do "something that actually matters." Gary says he liked the exciting and interesting aspects of the career. And brothers Martin and Chris became firefighters to help and serve others. "Sport Clips continues to set the bar when it comes to supporting first responders," said 2025 WPFG CEO, DJ Mackovets. "Their sponsorship of five exceptional athletes for an all-expense-paid trip to compete in the 2025 World Police & Fire Games is true leadership and a gesture of deep respect for those who serve. We thank Sports Clips for their partnership, and we're eager to watch these athletes shine on the world stage." "We respect and appreciate all heroes who step up to protect us and our communities," says Edward Logan, Sport Clips president and CEO. "We applaud and cheer on all first responders who are committed to their professions and their sport, especially those who'll be representing Sport Clips as our first official sponsored athletes." The brand is broadening its community support to include those who protect and serve as first responders, whether as law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, correctional officers, investigators, Customs officers, and more, through this Honoring our Heroes sponsorship. To find out more, visit About Sport Clips Haircuts Sport Clips Haircuts is headquartered in Georgetown, Texas. It was established in 1993 and began franchising in 1995. The sports-themed haircutting franchise, which specializes in haircuts for men and boys, offers online check in for clients, and ranks #52 in the Entrepreneur "Franchise 500" for 2025 and was named a 2025 Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review. There are more than 1,850 Sport Clips stores open in the U.S. and Canada. Sport Clips is the "Official Haircutter" of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), offers veterans preferential pricing on haircuts and franchises, and was named a 2024 Top Franchise for Veterans by Entrepreneur. Sport Clips provides "Haircuts with Heart" through its annual Help A Hero fundraiser that has contributed $15 million to the VFW; national partnership with St. Baldrick's Foundation, the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants; and other national and local philanthropic outreach. Sport Clips is a proud sponsor of NASCAR's Joe Gibbs Racing team, Minor League Baseball (MiLB), and partners with select NCAA teams. To learn more about Sport Clips, visit About World Police & Fire Games Founded in 1985, the World Police & Fire Games are a biennial event that strives to promote physical fitness, wellness, professional development, and camaraderie among first responders globally. The event is organized by the California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF) and has grown to become one of the largest athletic events in the world. The 2025 World Police & Fire Games will be held June 27-July 6 in Birmingham, Alabama. For more information, please visit and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X at @BHM2025. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Sport Clips Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Thousands of volunteers needed for 2025 World Police and Fire Games
BIRMINGHAM, Ala (WIAT) – The opening ceremony for the 2025 World Police and Fire Games is two weeks away, and organizers say they need thousands of volunteers. First responders from around the world will be in Birmingham for a 10-day event where they will compete in 60 different sports. In order to help these athletes get around, stay hydrated and feel welcome, they need help from the community. 'In total of volunteers, we're hoping for 2,500,' The 2025 WPFG Marketing Manger Paige Bagby said. As of Wednesday, volunteer turnout was less than 50%. 'Right now, we're just trying to fill the roster as fast as we can,' Bagby said. Some of the sports that desperately need volunteers are: Push Pull CrossFit Ultimate Firefighter Toughest Competitor Stair Race Muster Bench Press 'Alabama knows southern hospitality and certainly can contribute in that way,' Bagby said. Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith accuses district attorney of lying about severity of charges against him Volunteers can be from all over Alabama, the country and the world. Organizers also need vendors for the event. 'Mayor Bell actually said it best when he said, 'Beer and the Barons brought Birmingham back,' Eric Meyer said. Meyer is the co-founder of Cahaba Brewery located in downtown Birmingham. His local brewery is a 'Proud Host' for the 2025 WPFG. That means they'll provide beers for Athlete Village and a space for teams to meet up before competing. 'The ability to showcase people what Birmingham has to offer, you can't really pass up on that,' Meyer said. Meyer also gets to showcase a talent and hobby of his – jujutsu. 'Being a firefighter doing jujutsu, getting the opportunity to compete is huge,' Meyer said. Meyer will be representing Mountain Brook Fire station #2, and given he'll be going up against fighters from other countries, he is also representing the United States of America. 'To be a firefighter for 22 years and to have this opportunity right here in Birmingham, I mean that's huge to be able to represent the USA right here in town,' Meyer said. 'I couldn't ask for anything better.' Click this link if you would like to help volunteer. More information on the World Police and Fire Games can be found on the event's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
