“Virginia Member Repeats As World Police & Fire Games Gold Medalist” 

Brother Todd Helmick, a member of Suffolk, Virginia Local 2801, has successfully defended his world mountain biking championship at the 2007 World Police & Fire Games in Australia.  He won the gold medal for the biennial event in Canada in 2005.  Brother Helmick beat out an international field from 52 countries to win his second gold medal at this year’s games. 

Aside from the competition and the thrill of victory, Todd especially enjoys meeting other firefighters and police officers from all over the world.  “The next three World Games are in British Columbia, New York City, and then Ireland.  I’m really looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones.  I intend to keep competing for as long as I can keep riding,” said Brother Helmick.   

Brother Helmick, 32, is married and lives in Newport News, Virginia with his wife Nicole.  He was appointed to the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Department in 2000, and is assigned to Squad Co. 1 in the downtown area of Suffolk.  He joined the IAFF while in Recruit School, and has been a proud member ever since.