More than 30 South West police officers recently competed in the 2018 Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games.
It was the 17th games, held in Mandurah, from October 28 to November 3.
The South West police officers participated in swimming, hockey and triatholon events, bringing home an impressive haul of medals.
Bridgetown Sergeant Phillip Nation said it was good fun.
“This was my fourth games, I’ve been an officer for 30 years, playing tennis, which I love and I’ve also had the opportunity the last two games to compete with my daughter who is also a police officer playing doubles,” he said.
“We failed dismally but still had a huge amount of fun.
“Doesn’t matter what sport it is, I’ve always thought it was good for engagement and it’s good for your own mental health and also to be part of the community.
“You meet other like-minded people and not just police officers but other emergency services – you meet the ambo’s and firies so that camaraderie and common thinking for us in emergency services is really good.”
Bunbury Senior Sergeant Sue Scott competed in the triatholon and said it was great to meet new people throughout the games.
Australind Senior Constable Jo Haworth showed off her swimming skills and impressed with the fastest time for the triatholon
Harvey Senior Constable Dave Herrington came home with a medal for his hockey playing and said the games helped to highlight the profile of emergency services across the state and country.
“It’s a lot of fun absolutely, you get to meet lots of people from across Australia and New Zealand,” he said.
“It builds mateship and connections between the different services.”
Bunbury Senior Constable Neale Horsley brought home several medals for his swimming and said he’s looking forward to the next games.
More than 3,400 competitors from Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, New Caledonia, New Zealand and China took part in 51 sports during the week.
The next Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games will be held in Wollongong, New South Wales in 2020.