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Ohio Police, Fire Games returning to Mahoning Valley
By Curtis Pulliam
Youngstown
Carl Frost has been an avid Ohio Police and Fire Games participant for the last 22 years.
This year, he won’t have to travel very far from his office.
The 2015 Ohio Police and Fire Games will be held in the Mahoning Valley from June 14-19.
Frost, the chief of police for Beaver Township is the event’s overall coordinator.
“I think the best part is the camaraderie with everyone,” Frost said. “I’ve been to many of these and just meeting all the police and firemen and their spouses has been great.”
This is the 38th year for the event and Frost has been part of the games since 1993.
Frost is hoping for about 500 participants from across the state to come to the Mahoning Valley.
The event has taken place all over the state and Frost says it is a thrill for the Valley to again be the host this year.
There are more than 40 events for the participants (police, fire and military personnel)to take part in. Frost does the cycling races every year. He said the biggest events include shooting and weight-lifting.
New to this year’s schedule is spinning, 4-on-4 flag football, wobble trap and rugby.
“The spinning is more popular for the women,” Frost said. “We have had football in the past but it is hard for people to commit to a team ahead of time. Most people register the day of the event.”
Flag-football will take place at the Youngstown State University WATTS and rugby will be at Mill Creek Park.
For participants, it costs $40 to sign up for three events. It costs $5 per event after that.
Joe Mahan, president of the Ohio games, says the hope is to surpass the 400 participant mark.
Mahan lives in Troy, about a four-ride from Youngstown.
“Some guys are diehards, they go everywhere we go,” Mahan said. “Then for some reason we can’t get a large number from southwest Ohio to go to northeast Ohio.”
Mahan says that participation has been down for about the last 14 years.
“Ever since 9/11 when things went haywire, people couldn’t get time off,” Mahan said. “That made it difficult and then we hit that area where everyone was tightening their belts and people getting laid off.
“The price of gas had a lot to do with it. We are hoping for a good turnout this year.”
Money raised will benefit charities including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The Ronald McDonald House and Hospice of the Valley.
Holiday Inn in Boardman will serve as the command post.
A silent auction is being planned. Among the items up for bid are a signed football from Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Alex Mack, a Mountaineer Casino gift package and Mahoning Valley Scrappers ticket vouchers.
For a schedule of events and more details, visit www.TheOhioPoliceandFireGames,org.