Athletes from the Secret Service compete in hockey, weightlifting events during the 2025 World Police and Fire Games
A collection of some of the most athletic first responders on the planet are heading to Birmingham, AL, to compete in the 2025 World Police and Fire Games (WPFG). A group of U.S. Secret Service agents and officers will be among the thousands seeking gold.
The 2025 WPFG is an Olympic-style competition held June 27 – July 6. Roughly 8,500 athletes from more than 70 countries will compete in more than 60 sports.
Special Agent Geoffrey Landry knows expectations will be high for his group on and off the ice.
“Wearing the Secret Service star comes with the big responsibility of representing the agency with the highest regard,” Landry said. “Once you’re seen wearing the star, it becomes a part of your identity, even when you’re not wearing the jersey.”
Landry, 33, is assigned to the Presidential Protective Division. He is also a defenseman and one of 16 players comprising the agency’s Employee Recreation Association (ERA) hockey team that will take the ice in Birmingham.
“People see the Secret Service name and they are starstruck almost. It’s just cool to be able to wear that on my chest,” Special Agent Ryan Marks said. The 31-year-old, who is assigned to the Secret Service’s Washington Field Office, plays right wing.
The WPFG is held every two years in different cities around the world. It’s a great way to foster relationships and build networks.
“I think it will be a different perspective because they are from different countries and they have different ways they do things,” Marks said. “It’s like when you go on a foreign trip and you talk to the local counterparts, showing them how we do things and seeing how they do things and kind of connecting the dots that way.”
Sgt. Kevin Drost, 29, of the Secret Service Uniformed Division, also plays right wing.
“I’m super excited,” he said. “Besides the (annual Secret Service vs.) FBI game, this is the biggest thing we’ll be playing in.”
Senior Special Agent Jarett Makara, who works out of the Secret Service’s Newark Field Office, also is heading to the WPFG. It will be his third time competing in the bench press contest.
“It’s a great event. It gives you an opportunity not only to go and meet and network with police and fire from all over the world, but also a chance to legitimately compete,” Makara said. “Many of us who played sports growing up love to compete, but you don’t get a chance to do that nearly as much as you become older. It’s a very good time.”
Makara is part of the 105 kg-and-under weight class. His goal is to bench press over 400 pounds.
“My plan is to attempt, on my last lift, 182.5 kg, which is 402 pounds. To me, there is just something about if I can eclipse that 400-pound mark. At 48 years old, that’s a pretty big accomplishment. Now, it’s a pretty lofty goal. A lot of things have to go right for me to do that. But, I’m going to give it my best,” he said.
As Makara lies back on the bench and grips the bar, he knows the spotlight will be shining on him because of the badge he carries when not lifting.
“From the public’s perspective, the Secret Service is very highly respected, and we are looked at as one of the elite law enforcement agencies in the world. It means a lot, not only to go there and compete, but to compete under the Secret Service. I have a lot of pride in that, and I take it very seriously,” he said.
Makara will compete July 2.
The Secret Service ERA hockey team is scheduled to drop the puck on its first of four round-robin games on July 1 against the Rocky Mountain Wolves (Alberta, Canada). The goal isn’t only to finish among the top four in their five-team pool to qualify for the medal round. Marks said the mission is to bring home the most prestigious award of the WPFG.
“To win gold.”
For more information on the 2025 World Police and Fire Games click here.
