The Georgia Police & Fire Games is moving out of Gainesville, at least for the next two years. After being hosted by the City of Gainesville in 2025, the annual event will move to Cherokee County for 2026 and 2027, according to a social media post by Game organizers.
The games are a week-long series of events traditionally held in late June. They honor public safety professionals, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and medics.
According to the organization, the games offer “camaraderie, networking, and friendly competition” for first responders.
Participants compete in a variety of athletics and skill-based contests. Events include a bass-fishing tournament, flag football, and softball. There are also profession-specific challenges, such as the “toughest cop” and “toughest firefighter” competitions, sniper competitions, and a motorcycle rodeo.
Established in 1984, the games have a nearly 42-year history. Eligibility is open to active and retired officers and firefighters from every state. In 2022, the games opened to volunteers, corrections staff, and support staff, such as dispatchers.
A social media post for the event stated that these men and women “risk it all on a regular basis and work not for the money, but for the call to duty.”
