The World Police and Fire Games (WPFG), held every two years across the globe, bring together law enforcement and firefighting personnel from over 70 countries, including police, FBI, Secret Service, firefighters, and Border Patrol. It’s the second largest multi sport event in the world, second only to the Olympics.
In August 2011, just ahead of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, New York City was set to host the 25th WPFG. 70 countries. 69 sports. Thousands of athletes ready to compete. The city had rebuilt and prepared itself to welcome the global brotherhood of first responders. The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on West 34th Street was transformed into a massive indoor arena, and outdoor competitions were planned for Randall’s Island.
As a long time volunteer, having already supported 23 events, including the 2009 WPFG in Vancouver, I was excited to join the team in New York. I had been assigned to events including the “Ultimate Firefighter” obstacle course, where competitors went head-to-head performing physical tasks they’d face in real emergencies on the job. I was staying in an Airbnb on the Upper West Side and looked forward to exploring the city between shifts, maybe even seeing family in the Bronx and Queens.
But Mother Nature had other plans, Hurricane Irene.
Most of us didn’t realize that while the Games were being developed, so was a powerful storm in the Caribbean. Irene grew into a Category 3 hurricane before hitting the East Coast of the United States in late August. By the time it reached New York, it had been downgraded to a tropical storm, but it still caused significant disruption. On August 26, Governor Cuomo declared a state of emergency, and Mayor Bloomberg initiated widespread evacuations and shelter operations. The bus and subway systems shut down. The city that never sleeps went silent.
I’d never seen Manhattan so still. Taxis were off the streets. Broadway and 5th Avenue went dark. It was eerie.
Communication came quickly, events were being canceled or paused. As volunteers were reassigned, I was asked to support the command centre at Javits. I navigated across the city to get there (no small feat under storm conditions) and assisted with everything from logistics and athlete coordination to database adjustments for competitors and volunteers, many of whom were already en route or mid-air when the city shut down.
Certain events were ultimately cancelled, like the half-marathon with 900 runners. But after a dramatic pause, the Games resumed on August 29, with many competitions adjusted and rescheduled.
That week was chaotic, unpredictable, and unforgettable, and it taught me lessons I still apply in business today.
When everything changes quickly, and your carefully laid plans no longer apply, you can either fold or adapt. I chose the latter. It reminded me that in business (just like in volunteering), you need to:
- Stay flexible
- Communicate clearly
- Think fast and act faster
- Show up even when it’s inconvenient
- Use every skill you’ve got, and then some
Sometimes it would be easier to withdraw and say, “This isn’t my job,” or “Let someone else handle it.” But when you’re accountable to a greater mission, whether it’s athletes counting on your help or clients relying on your expertise, giving up isn’t an option.
That storm changed New York. It changed the Games, and it definitely changed me.
As the 2025 World Police and Fire Games kick off this week in Birmingham, Alabama, I want to extend my best wishes to the athletes, volunteers, and organizers. May the spirit of camaraderie and resilience continue to shine through!
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Irene
https://theprovince.com/news/thousands-of-police-and-firefighters-head-to-new-york
https://www.officer.com/command-hq/supplies-services/public-awareness/news/10339698/world-police-and-fire-games-open-in-nyc
