Columbus Fire Department Battalion Chief Mark Ziegler brought home gold and silver medals after competing in the 2017 World Police and Fire Games. Capt. Mike Wilson, CFD spokesman, says that Ziegler, a 20-year department veteran, traveled to Los Angeles to complete in the track and field competition. Ziegler won gold in the 100 meter hurdle event, setting a world record in the men’s 50-54 age bracket. Ziegler also competed in the 400 meter hurdles where he won silver. Wilson says that this marks the fourth time Ziegler competed in the games. Each time, he came away with at least one medal.

Wilson says that the biennial games, which began August 6th and wraps up on Wednesday, attract an average of 10,000 participants from over 60 countries. The first games were held in 1985 in San Jose, California. Subsequent games have been held in Spain, Canada, Sweden, Australia, British Columbia, Ireland and the United States. The 2019 games will be held in China. Ziegler does not yet know if he will be able to attend those games.