The World Police and Fire Games are celebrating 1 year since the competition in Birmingham

The city of Birmingham is one year away from the 2025 World Police and Fire Games. (Photo courtesy of James Johnston)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The city of Birmingham is one year away from the 2025 World Police and Fire Games. A celebration was held Saturday afternoon to promote the impact the games will have on the community.

Organizers expect 10,000 first responders to travel to Birmingham in 2025 from around the world to compete in the games.

“We’re getting the word out and making sure our local first responders know about it so they can get involved,” said Jessica Barnhill, director of marketing for the 2025 World Police and Fire Games.

Games organizers don’t have exact estimates of the games’ economic impact, but they know it will be significant.

“When all these first responders are here, they eat, they drink, they shop, they’re looking for that real Birmingham experience, and a lot of them bring their families here to have fun and vacation here,” Barnhill. said.

Businesses like K & J’s Elegant Pastries are ready to give first responders that true Birmingham experience. Krystal Bryant, owner of K & J’s Elegant Pastries, said events like the World Police and Fire Games are the reason she moved her business to Birmingham.

“We get a lot of business from different events and concerts — all the things that the city hosts here in Birmingham,” Bryant said.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue Chief Cory Moon is already preparing for the games. He said his department is ready to compete and show the world what Birmingham’s first responders are made of.

“We know the staff will rise to the challenge and bring us home some gold medals,” Moon said. “We’re excited and ready to roll.”

Organizers are still looking for volunteers to help with the games. Information on how to get involved can be found by clicking here.