The 2015 World Police & Fire Games concluded last week in Fairfax County, VA. But what are the World Police & Fire Games, you ask?

It’s 12,000 professional, public safety athletes from 70 countries competing in 60 plus sports to qualify for over 1,600 medal events!

In 1985, the World Police & Fire Games Federation, a non-profit organization, run by the Californian Police Athletics Federation, established the World Police & Fire Games. Today, the World Police & Fire Games are a spectacular international sporting event, offering police officers, firefighters, customs and correction officers from around the world an opportunity to showcase their athletic excellence in over 65 sporting events.

And how does this have anything to do with Big Ben?

Because some of those police officers are of the four-legged variety, and one in particular, named Cooper, has a direct link to #7…

Cooper_CCSO_BronzeMedalWinner_CplCuyler
From Baynet.com today:

Bronze Medal Winner – Thanks to Ben Roethlisberger Foundation

Cooper, a handsome two-year-old Belgian Malinois, and one of the newest members of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit. Cooper made his first appearance in competition during the Police/Fire World Games and his debut was rather impressive; he earned a spot on the podium by winning a bronze medal for his work in narcotics detection in vehicles. And Cooper has an interesting background: He came to the Agency last fall after Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger tossed a grant to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office worth $6,800 as part of his longtime commitment to enhancing K9 units for police and fire departments throughout the country.

Cooper took over the job duties of Cpl. Cuyler’s longtime K9 partner, Atos, who recently retired due to age, medical conditions and longevity of service. Cooper spent the last several months in school and graduated from training last week. In fact, Cooper graduated with an A+ in narcotics detection which is equivalent to 100 percent in all five field trials. He is certified in narcotics detection and patrol canine services. “Cooper is a great dog! He’s been a great partner and I look forward to many years of excellent work from him,” said Cpl. Cuyler.

“I’m so impressed with our K9 Unit. Their handlers work hard day in and day out to maintain superior control of the dogs. Mr. Billy Cotton, Lead Trainer, has done an excellent job getting the teams to this point. Winning five medals at the World Games is something to be proud of and we are,” said Sheriff Troy Berry. “Our K9s are important to us and to the citizens we serve. They help track missing people, locate fugitives and provide extra safety for officers who must confront very dangerous situations.”


You can read more from Baynet here.


Congratulations to Cpl. Cuyler and Cooper!!! And congratulations to Cpl. Cuyler again & her other K9 partner, Coni (an explosives expert) for winning the Gold Medal, and to Sgt. Nasatka & his K9 partner Erno for winning the Silver Medal!!



*Thank you so much to Lt. Jamie Popik (a Steelers fan of course), of the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office for the info!

The 2017 World Police & Fire Games will be held in Montreal.