P.E.I. sending 6 officers to World Police and Fire Games

Six Charlottetown police officers are lifting weights and pushing their cardio in preparation to represent P.E.I. at the World Police and Fire Games this month. 

"We have four athletes that are competing in crossfit, and this is the first time crossfit has been involved in games, so it's going to be a really good time," said Const. Michael Chaloner.

"We have two athletes competing in a powerlifting sport, which consists of both bench press and a combination bench press and dead-lift event."

Most of the officers will be competing for the first time. The games are being held in Virginia from June 26 to July 5. Some 12,000 athletes from 70 countries will compete in 60 sports, including track and field, arm wrestling and bowling.

"Training's been good — a bit intense. It's been tough with our work schedule," said Const. Patrick Hogan.

"Sometimes it can be tough getting up for that first workout, but it's been good. We've been working really hard and are hoping to represent well."

Women for 2017?

The six men represent the largest contingent P.E.I. has sent to the games. The group hopes some women will join them for the 2017 games in Montreal.

"It'd be great to get more members from the department interested," said Chaloner.

"[There are] a multitude of sports that they can show they have some interest and skill in to go down and really represent P.E.I. on a much bigger scale. [We'd] love to see some of our compatriots at fire services and corrections join us."

Chaloner has been with the Charlottetown force for 10 years and pursues fitness for work and for leisure.

"It's amazing," he said of the event. "It's run on a professional level. The scope and size of it is like nothing I've ever been to."

Hogan, on the force since 2012, says it's a great chance to show off the province on an international stage.

"It's good. It's nice to represent," he said.

The other officers are Cpl. Allan Kelly and constables Mark Newcomb, Justin Young and Mike Rae.