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Ohio Police and Fire Games continue in the Mahoning Valley
By Greg Gulas
BOARDMAN
The 38th annual Ohio Police and Fire Games head into their third day of competition today with the Mahoning Valley Games playing host for the fourth time to the statewide event.
A total of 30 events will be staged over the six days with competition open to all state, federal and local law enforcement, fire and military from across the state.
Carl Frost, this year’s overall coordinator, is chief of the Beaver Police Department and a law enforcement officer since 1979. He’s participated in 12 overall competitions, taking part in his specialty — cycling.
“Participating in this event is always fun and while this is my first time serving as coordinator, it has been a real labor of love,” Frost said. “All of the volunteers, the many businesses who helped with donations and venues and the community support has just been overwhelming. When we asked if we could stage an event at their venue, no one turned us down and were most eager to help out any way possible.”
Monday’s events included a cross country 5K; cornhole; two cycling events (criterium and time trial); golf (first round); obstacle course-safety forces challenge; pistol competition; racquetball; sporting clays and tennis singles.
Softball was postponed due to rain and looks to get underway today.
Dave Benko, currently in his 18th year as an YSU police officer, took part in Monday’s cornhole competition and will also take part in the high jump.
“I came in expecting to win the cornhole competition, so anything less than gold will be disappointing,” Benko said. “I’ve worked with my high jump coach, Leanna Hartsock the past couple weeks so I am now ready for that event. She was a high jumper for both Canfield High School and YSU and has taught me both the physical and mental part of preparation.”
Sgt. Chuck Hillman of the Boardman Police Department is the cornhole and billiard event coordinator.
“We had 27 cornhole entries today and that’s a really nice turnout since many also participated in other events,” he said. “I participated in the 2003 event when Trumbull County was host and remember doing a bicycle competition at Mosquito Lake. Our goal this week is to have a good time, lots of fun and share plenty of fellowship.”
The K-9 patrol, tactical course competition gets underway today at 10 a.m. at the Boardman Police Department.
Bryan Schultz of the Westerville Police Department is a first-time entry with his dog Fiji; a native of Czechoslovakia who receives commands in Czech.
“I like traveling around and seeing the different programs and caliber of dogs,” he said. “Fiji has a dual specialty, trained in both narcotics and patrol work. I’m humbled coming into the competition and looking at it as a training event.”
Joe Mahan, retired chief deputy of the Miami County Sheriff’s Department, is currently president of the Ohio Police and Fire Games.
“Mahoning County has been very welcoming and we really appreciate everyone’s hospitality,” he said. “Those new to the area get to visit the many mom and pop restaurants and various chains that have also been so generous and supportive. They get to experience a new area while broadening their horizons.”
Frost said the event is also good for the area’s economy.
“Shirts were bought locally from Embroidery Plus in Hubbard and the Boardman Holiday Inn is our command post. Many restaurants supplied coupons and bike shops even donated their services, if and when needed,” Frost said. “We have a silent auction that will benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital while pop and beer tabs are collected all year long and then donated to the area Ronald McDonald House. Also, a percent of the overall proceeds or a minimum of $1,000 will be donated to Hospice of the Valley, which was chosen this year by the local host agency: the Mahoning Valley Chiefs of Police Association.”
Frost also said that Youngstown State University and Mill Creek Metroparks — sites of more than half of the week’s events — have lent a helping hand.
“Both YSU and Mill Creek Metroparks have helped us out immensely,” he said. “A special thanks has to go to my other coordinators, John Beshara, YSU Police chief; Jim Willock, chief of Mill Creek Metroparks and Mahoning County sheriff, Jerry Greene. They’ve provided security for all of the competitors and their efforts are most appreciated.”