By Nancy Bowman
Dayton Daily News
Copyright 2007 Dayton Newspapers, Inc.
TROY, Ohio — Vince Ashcraft has traveled around the world to compete in Police and Fire Games, but he won’t have to go far for this year’s state competition.
Ashcraft, a Piqua firefighter, will be competing in his own backyard when Miami County hosts the 30th anniversary edition of the Ohio Police and Fire Games beginning Sunday.
Around 30 events such as archery, basketball, weight lifting, cycling, track and field, sporting clays, swimming and softball bring together law enforcement and fire personnel to share camaraderie and test their skills in athletic competition.
“It is a difficult thing to explain, being around that many people who participate in sports ... while also being in the business of taking care of people,” Ashcraft said. “It is really neat ... to share a common interest and share about your departments.”
The Miami County games are being coordinated by Capts. Steve Cooper and Dave Duchak of the Miami County Sheriff’s Department. The events are open to full-time and retired police officers, correction officers, probation officers, firefighters and federal officers such as U.S. marshals.
Ashcraft is no stranger to competition - he been doing it for 15 years - or to the winner’s circle.
He competed in the World Police and Fire Games earlier this year in Adelaide, Australia, bringing home a silver medal in judo. He also brought home a bronze medal in judo from 2005 World games in Quebec.
He said he and his wife, Susan, try to schedule vacations around those events. They have three children and live in Piqua.
Ashcraft is organizing the state judo event as well as competing in that event and submission wrestling. He expects 20 to 25 participants in each event. “It pretty much runs itself once you get things set up,” he said.
Unlike the atmosphere at some sporting events these days, Ashcraft said the games remain a “friendly” place. “There is no animosity. I have never seen any poor sportsmanship,” he said.