Birmingham: Taiwanese firefighters achieved remarkable success at the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) in Birmingham, Alabama, securing a total of 39 medals. On Wednesday alone, the Taiwanese team won four golds, a silver, and two bronzes, placing Taiwan sixth in the medal tally behind the United States, Brazil, India, Canada, and Spain.

According to Focus Taiwan, swimmer Chen Sin-hua and weightlifter Lin Kuan-yi were among the gold medalists. Chen triumphed in the men’s 30-34 50-meter breaststroke with a time of 29.81 seconds, earning Taiwan its first swimming medal at the event. Chen expressed that although 2025 marked his third participation in the WPFG, it was his first competition in six years, which made him nervous but also excited to compete with international peers.

Weightlifter Lin Kuan-yi claimed gold in the men’s over-35 83-kilogram bench press. In the men’s over-35 105 kg bench press, Liao Kun-ti secured a silver medal. Bronze medals were awarded to Lee Hsin-yeh in the men’s over-18 bench press and Liu Yu-chung in the 30-34 men’s discus event.

The “Taiwan Pioneers” team added to the gold tally by winning in the Ultimate Firefighter team category. Their victory was a result of the combined efforts of Chang Wen-tsung, Cian Jheng-ruei, Chang Ying-hsi, and Huang Shun-sheng in the men’s 40-49 age group. The challenge required participants to complete a series of physically demanding tasks, such as running with hose lines and an air cylinder, climbing a tower with weights, and dragging a dummy across a distance.

The Taiwan Pioneers’ performance not only earned them the title of world champions but also victory in the U.S. Southeast Regional Classic, part of the Firefighter Challenge Championship Series.