UAB Police officers won big during the World Police & Fire Games last week. In addition to Ofc. Marvin Henderson and K-9 Officer Dolly’s bronze medal in explosives detection, Ofc. Madison Boone won a silver medal in bowling; and Officer Morrez Calloway Sr. won a bronze medal in basketball.

“I’m immensely proud of all our athletes who competed,” said Chief Daryl Green. “Their dedication, sportsmanship, commitment to excellence and collaboration with area law enforcement partners were on full display and made the department incredibly proud.”

Calloway, an avid lover and player of basketball, competed in the three-on-three basketball competition, playing on a team with other law enforcement officers from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. 

“I know majority of my teammates because I played with them or against them before in a 40 and up men’s basketball league for a few years,” said Calloway. “They asked me to play with them if our department did not have a basketball team participating. It was a great experience, and I had fun competing against players from different states and countries.”

Leading up to the event, Calloway practiced a few days each week with his teammates as well as working on his skills individually. He also ran or walked a few times a week to build up his endurance.

Of winning the bronze medal, Calloway said, “It was amazing and I felt like all of our hard work paid off. It was an honor to represent the UAB Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Birmingham.”

Much like Calloway, Boone is also an avid lover of bowling, having played on a league team for almost six years.

For Boone, preparation for the event consisted of visiting the bowling alley and practicing when he had time off.

“I usually bowled three or four games when I practiced which allowed me to have that consistent pattern, because the more I practiced, the more I know I’ll hit my mark,” he said.

The bowling event during the WPFG was split into four different divisions including open division, A division, B division and a unisex division. Boone played in the B division over the course of three days, playing about five games a day.

“The World Police and Fire Games was one of the best events I’ve ever participated in,” said Boone. “I’ve bowled in leagues for years but to participate in this event and to become a world champion beats league bowling any day. Having the support of my family and my UAB family… helped motivate me and what landed me a silver medal.”

If given the opportunity, both Boone and Calloway would love to participate in the WPFG again.

“There are some talented and athletic officers and firefighters out here and the [WPFG] gave us a platform to showcase our talents outside of work,” said Calloway.

Boone added, “Not many people get this opportunity and the fact that there is an event for first responders, it shows people appreciate what we do and acknowledge our work and dedication to our respective countries, states, and cities.”

The WPFG consists of Olympic-style competitions with more than 8,500 athletes representing first responders from 70 countries. This includes law enforcement, firefighters and other public safety personnel. The WPFG are held biennially and typically include more than 60 sports. The games were held June 27 through July 6 at various locations throughout the Birmingham-Metro Area. For more information on the WPFG, visit www.bhm2025.com.