US Police & Fire Championships Return to San Diego With New Mission Valley Base

San Diego prepares to host first responders from across the nation as the 2025 US Police & Fire Championships return for their 58th year. The week-long competition will establish its headquarters at the newly selected Marriott San Diego Mission Valley, marking a change from previous host venues.

Olympic-Style Competition for First Responders

The championships feature more than 35 different events designed to showcase the athletic abilities of law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other emergency responders.

Competition categories span from team sports including basketball and soccer to individual events such as track and field, swimming, and CrossFit. The multi-sport format mirrors Olympic-style competition while fostering unity among participants from different agencies and departments.

Eligible participants include active and retired full-time employees from law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services, customs, and corrections agencies.

The competition also welcomes 9-1-1 dispatchers, detention and custodial officers, crime scene investigators, lifeguards, and volunteer or part-time firefighters, representing the broad spectrum of first responder roles.

Gold Medalist Recognition Program

The California Police Athletic Federation has announced the return of the USPFC Gold Medalist Campaign for 2025, designed to honor outstanding athletic achievement among first responder athletes.

Gold medalists from the 2024 or 2025 championships who register for the 2025 World Police & Fire Games will receive special benefits and recognition.

These athletes will have the opportunity to wear Team USA Gold Medalist shirts during the Parade of Athletes at the World Police & Fire Games, taking place in Birmingham, Alabama from June 27 to July 6, 2025.

This recognition bridges the two major competitions and provides a pathway for elite first responder athletes to represent their achievements on an international stage.

Organizational Mission

The event operates under the guidance of the California Police Athletic Federation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sports and physical fitness among first responders.

According to James King, President of the organization, the championships celebrate the dedication of the nation’s first responders while promoting wellness, teamwork, and friendly competition.

The federation organizes three major events: the US Police & Fire Championships, the bi-annual World Police & Fire Games, and the First Responders Relay. This structure provides multiple competitive opportunities throughout the calendar year for first responder athletes at various skill levels.

Community and Athletic Excellence

The championships attract thousands of participants annually, creating one of the largest gatherings of first responder athletes in the US. The competition emphasizes both individual excellence and team camaraderie, reflecting the collaborative nature of emergency response work.

The 2025 US Police & Fire Championships showcase physical prowess and dedication while building connections between departments and agencies from different regions. Participants compete not only for medals and recognition but also to represent the broader first responder community’s commitment to fitness and preparedness.

See you there!

Get out there and show some support as a week of elite competition showcasing the athletic talents of America’s first responders returns to San Diego.

📆 Saturday, May 31 through Saturday, June 7, 2025
📍 8757 Rio San Diego Dr, San Diego
🎟️ Registration here
ℹ️ Learn more here

See you there, San Diego!