Officer Marvin Henderson and K-9 Officer Dolly struck Bronze at the World Police & Fire Games Sunday. Henderson and Dolly competed in the Police Service Dogs Explosive Detection category. This was the duo’s first time competing in the games.
“I was very proud of her,” Henderson said. “She went out there and did well… especially since we are still new to this and still learning, she did a good job. It felt great being able to bring something back home to UAB Police.”
Leading up to the event, Henderson and Dolly didn’t do any additional training outside of their normal day-to-day duties at UAB. Henderson and Dolly can be found at different locations around UAB checking parking lots, loading dock areas and more.
“It wasn’t much different from a normal day minus the heat. Throughout the day, we periodically check vehicles, parking lots, some of the trucks that come into the loading docks,” Henderson explained. “We walk through the floors in buildings, and it may look like we’re just walking through, but she’s really working.”
In addition to Henderson and Dolly, seventeen UAB police officers will compete in the remaining games including track and field, angling, bowling, dodgeball and three-on-three basketball. Officers have already competed in chess and flag football.
“I’m immensely proud of all out athletes who competed,” said Chief Daryl Green. “Their success in these games, particularly Officer Henderson and Dolly’s bronze medal, is a direct reflection of the hard work and unwavering dedication they demonstrate every single day in protecting the UAB community. We appreciate everything they do.”
The WPFG consists of Olympic-style competitions with more than 8,500 athletes representing first responders from 70 countries. This includes law enforcement, firefighters and other public safety personnel. The WPFG are held biennially and typically include more than 60 sports. The games began on June 27 and will continue through July 6 at various locations throughout the Birmingham-Metro Area. For more information and a complete list of the schedule, visit www.bhm2025.com.
