First responders compete in 42nd annual Georgia Police & Fire Games

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The 42nd annual Georgia Police and Fire Games began this week in Cherokee County.

Competitions run from June 8-13 and include everything from powerlifting to bass fishing to cornhole.

Sgt. Mary Turner with the Canton Police Department competed in the weightlifting competition on Monday afternoon.

“The back squat, deadlift and bench press,” Turner said when asked about her events.

Sgt. Garrett Williams with the Columbus Police Department also competed. Williams holds the Police and Fire world record for bench pressing at 650 pounds. He said his back squat is in the mid-800s.

Williams said his closest competition in Cherokee County is himself.

“I’m trying to beat what I did yesterday,” Williams said.

The competitors adamantly stated they are not competing against each other, but rather for each other. Police, Fire and EMS personnel usually interact in tense, emotional situations, but the games provide a different kind of emotion.

“Instead of working beside each other, be outside of work and be able to compete together and support each other in another way,” Turner said.

“It’s just good brotherhood – come out, have fun with the guys, lift a few weights,” Williams added.