Hundreds of police officers, firefighters and military personnel from around the country are in Las Vegas this week for the 40th annual Nevada Police & Fire Games.
The games, which are annually hosted here, originated in 1976 with about 300 participants. About 1,700 are expected this week.
Winning and losing are secondary to bonding with their peers, said Metro Police Sgt. Ryan Evans, who is helping coordinate.
“Today, it means a little more,” said Evans, referring to the recent killing of officers nationwide. "Escaping the realities of our profession and being able to enjoy our passions, whichever sport or event it may be, and enjoying it with our friends and fellow law enforcement brothers and sisters is much needed this year probably more than in years past."
Events range from basketball and soccer, to bowling and hockey — there’s also fishing and even poker. Other events include: boxing, a 5K road race, billiards, darts, cycling, paintball, track and field, and power lifting.
Evans, who works out of Metro’s Bolden Area Command in the central valley, also serves on the games’ board of directors. It is organized on a volunteer basis by current and retired staff from local police and fire agencies.
“We do it because we love it,” Evans said.
For more, visit npaf.net.
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