Firefighters forging friendships: The value of the World Firefighters Games

Every two years, firefighters from around the world convene for the World Firefighters Games (WFG), where they partake in adrenaline-pumping events such as the Toughest Firefighter Alive. Beyond the competition, the Games foster camaraderie and a sense of unity among first responders. Among the dedicated attendees are Brad Shearing and John Martel, who approach the event with unwavering pride for the Canadian fire service.

In the beginning

Brad Shearing always wanted to be a firefighter. “As a kid, I’d see the firetrucks go by with the lights and sirens, and I was excited. I’m 37 and I can say that excitement has never gone away,” he said. Shearing is originally from Northern Ontario, and after a short period of working for a construction company, his boss—who was also the deputy chief of a volunteer fire department in Haileybury, Ont.—helped him become a volunteer firefighter. After moving to Alberta in 2008 and a few more years of volunteer fire fighting, Shearing became a career firefighter in 2012. 

Since 2008, Shearing has competed in various FireFit competitions to stay in shape and to “be the firefighter [he] would want to rescue [him]”. His mother, who was always his biggest supporter, was diagnosed with cancer in 2016. This is when he started to take health matters seriously, and to this day he pushes himself and those around him to “be better”. Shearing’s mother lost her battle with cancer in 2022. “Now, when I attend the World Firefighters Games, FireFit, stair climbs, etc., it’s for her and I hope I inspire others,” he said. 

John Martel became interested in fire fighting after speaking with Shearing. They both worked for a large producer of synthetic crude oil in Northern Alberta as heavy equipment operators, but Martel’s interest was piqued when he learned about Shearing’s time as a volunteer firefighter. Martel started taking the required courses to meet the NFPA 1001 standard for professional qualifications. Once complete, Martel moved away from Fort McMurray, Alta., to begin his career with the Athabasca Fire Department. 

Martel ultimately wanted to become a firefighter because he wanted to give back to his community. “I think this was the perfect way I could accomplish that goal,” he said. 

Photo credit: Brad Shearing

The Games

The WFG began in 1990 in Auckland, New Zealand, and happens every second year. “This is what we do on the off years when the World Police and Fire Games aren’t taking place,” said Shearing. Host countries over the past 34 years have included the United States, Australia, Canada, South Africa, France, England, China, Korea and Portugal. The location for the 2024 games is Aalborg, Denmark. 

Martel has attended almost every WFG since 2002, and Shearing hasn’t missed one since 2012. 

“It’s wonderful because anyone is allowed to go, as long as they’re a full-time firefighter, volunteer or retired member,” said Shearing. 

The WFG includes a variety of activities to compete in, such as arm wrestling, badminton, basketball, bowling, bucket brigade, cross country running, cycling, climbing, the firetruck challenge, fishing, golf, judo, karate, marathon and half marathon, rugby, sailing, soccer, softball, squash, swimming, tennis, track and field, triathlon, volleyball, water rescue, windsurfing and wrestling. 

“We may technically be competing against each other, but we’re all pushing and cheering each other on,” said Shearing.

“There’s something for everyone. There are activities for the sportier people, but also events like archery, billiards, bowling, chess, darts, the firehouse cook-off, horseshoes, poker and a treasure hunt,” said Martel. 

The Toughest Firefighter Alive, specific to the WFG, is an event carried out in full bunker gear that tests each competitor in firefighter-specific disciplines. This includes: 

• Hose pulling and rolling,
• An obstacle course,
• A tower, where competitors must handle and pitch ladders and carry equipment up ropes, and
• A stair climb. 

Training and preparation

Those attendees preparing for the WFG have differing opinions on how to get ready. 

For Shearing, who competes in the Toughest Firefighter Alive, he tries to create a mock-up of the course so he can experience what he’ll feel in the real competition. “I will run that course until I’m sick of it—until I can run it with my eyes closed. When I’m at work, I’ll run with my full bunker gear and the SCBA pack on my back. When I’m at home, I do a lot of leg workouts, cardio exercises, as well as sticking to a strict diet,” he explained. 

In contrast, Martel admitted that he’s never been the “most fit individual, not like Brad, anyways!” He prefers events like deep-sea fishing and horseshoes. This year, Martel is planning to compete in the Toughest Firefighter Alive challenge and credits Shearing for the inspiration. “That means I need to hit the gym!” Martel is 50 years old, and his goal is just to be able to say that he completed the event at his age. He shared that he is grateful that the event is separated into age categories. 

Photo credit: John Martel

A family affair

Both Shearing and Martel recognized that, though this is a sporting competition, the social aspect is the true meaning of the Games. 

“There isn’t one ounce of negativity at these events. We may technically be competing against each other, but we’re all pushing and cheering each other on,” said Shearing. One of his favourite parts of the WFG is learning tips and tricks on how to do something faster, better, from fellow firefighters across the world. Even if they don’t speak the same language, they share the common thread of being first responders for their communities.

“It’s really a family. We come from different walks of life, different geographical locations, but we have all gone through similar things. We all have the same heart,” said Martel. He likes to exchange shirts and badges with those he makes connections with while at the Games. 

Shearing and Martel have made lifelong friends at the WFG, from all across the globe.

Adding to the family aspect, spouses are encouraged to attend the WFG as well because they can compete in certain challenges alongside the firefighters, like the treasure hunt. 

For all firefighters

One of the biggest wishes for Martel and Shearing is to attend the WFG with a large Canadian presence. They both shared that it feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but it gets to be experienced every two years. 

Martel and his family typically prefer travelling to beach destinations for vacations, so he credits the WFG for bringing him to countries he never would have seen otherwise. “While each attendee does need to cover their own costs for travel and the Games, you can choose how much you want to spend. You could book the fanciest hotel and airline, or you could choose more budget-friendly options—it’s all up to you,” he shared. 

Shearing concluded with, “It’s time to experience a new culture with a bunch of people who love what you love: serving others. Let’s go show how great the Canadian fire service truly is.”