It is a well known fact that there is friendly banter

and competition between first responder

agencies, and that will certainly be at play during

the upcoming 2022 Can-Am Police-Fire Games,

which will present more than 44 sporting events

from July 25-31. The games will showcase

competition and camaraderie and will be a

testament to that competitive spirit, but it will – of

course – all be in good fun, as we are truly all on

the same side! The competition will heat up, but

the week of events will, above all else, celebrate

our first responders for the tremendous work they

do every day on the frontline.

Paramedics are often the first point of contact for patients who access emergency healthcare services and are faced with a variety of situations from low acuity complaints to life-threatening emergencies. Paramedics have been at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic responding to emergencies, often in uncontrolled, unpredictable and challenging environments. Often times these unique circumstances add stress and anxiety to the job, and as first responders we need to remind ourselves of the importance of seeking out support from colleagues and other first responders who experience similar situations.

May is also Mental Health Month, and as a member of the Games Executive Committee and a Mental Health Ambassador, I was thrilled that we chose the Canadian Mental Health Association – Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB) to be the games charity of choice, as CMHA continues to provide support and training programs made available through the local first responder and mental health coalition. In recent years, additional mental health training has been made available to all Essex-Windsor EMS employees with a program called Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR), that trains individuals on mental resilience and recovery. If you have an opportunity, consider attending the Chiefs Luncheon hosted by CMHA and featuring Ron DiFrancesco, the last survivor of 911.

The countdown is on with only two months remaining until the games begin. So, be sure to take in all that Windsor-Essex has to offer, on and off the fields, and be sure to join us at Opening Ceremonies on July 26 at the Riverfront Festival Plaza. The event will feature live entertainment, Taste of Windsor food vendors, interactive displays, the Detroit River First Responder Agency Boat Show and fireworks display to complete the evening. We look forward to seeing you there!

Chief Bruce Krauter

Essex-Windsor EMS

2022 Can-Am Police-Fire Games Executive Committee

This year's games features 44 sports – including the following sports:

Click HERE for all the sports in the 2022 Can-Am Police-Fire Games. 

Team sports registration deadline is July 1, 2022.

(Ball Hockey, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Soccer and Softball)

Did you know, if you register for Bench or Powerlifting by June 15 you could win a gift basket of supplement items and protein pancakes compliments of HQ Nutrition and Pak’d Protein Pancakes, two local business sponsors of the Can-Am Police-Fire Games.

Opening ceremonies to be held Tuesday, July 26 at Windsor Riverfront Festival Plaza 5pm – 11pm. The evening will include Official Opening Ceremony, live entertainment, Multicultural Council of Windsor Essex “Taste of Windsor” Cultural Food Vendors, interactive displays, Detroit River Emergency Boat Water Show and fireworks. The event is open free to the public and for all registered participants.

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor Windsor Port Authority, entertainment partner LiUNA 625! Taste of Windsor food and beverage sponsor St. Clair College and community partners: Tim Hortons, CMHA-WECB, The Multicultural Council of Windsor-Essex County, and YQG Green Networking Group.

Don’t miss this event! Learn more HERE.

Health Safety Hub

Paramedics Service Week is recognized May 22 to 28, 2022. We thank you for your service!

The Can-Am Police-Fire Games will host 44 sporting events throughout Windsor, and thanks to our sponsors and partners, select sport and competition events will feature an on-site “Health Safety Hub.” Thank you, Essex Windsor EMS, Second Chance CPR, Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation, Westervelt College, Trios College and Team Rehab! The “Hub” will offer a safe area to provide emergency services, first aid response and safety, complimentary massage therapy, physio and kinesio taping for registered participants of the games. A complete list of venues that will feature Health Safety Hubs will be posted on the official website – windsor2022.ca. Registered participants will receive an email in advance of the games by sport coordinators to reserve and arrange a scheduled time for a massage during event week.

September 11, 2001 is a day that no one will forget, and especially so for Ron DiFrancesco. On that fateful day Ron was leading a fast-paced trading culture consisting of 350 specialized brokers in the South Tower of the World Trade Centre. After the first plane hit the North Tower, Ron began making his way to the elevator to evacuate the building with his colleagues. Then the second plane hit. The impact zone was only floors beneath him, and the trading floor he had been standing in moments before was destroyed.

As the last man to make it out of the South Tower alive, Ron has experienced deep personal pain and still struggles with PTSD. With the support of his family and community, and learned coping tools, Ron not only survived but is thriving. Ron was honoured in a special edition of Time magazine for 9/11 Portraits of Resilience. Join the CMHA-WECB as we host the Chief’s Luncheon on Wednesday, July 27 where Ron DiFrancesco will be our keynote speaker.

First Responders vs. Windsor CrossFit Results

The Can-Am Police-Fire Games and CMHA-WECB teamed up with Windsor CrossFit for a fitness fundraiser held on Saturday, May 7 at Windsor CrossFit Club. The five teams of four-persons that competed include: EMS Essex-Windsor, Windsor Fire & Rescue Services, Windsor Police Services, Canadian Mental Health Association and Windsor CrossFit. There were five elements of competition over three consecutive hours. In addition to the physical challenge, for every $100 raised in donations by a team would contribute an additional 10 points accrued towards overall scoring to help determine the overall winning team.

Event #1: 7 minutes - AMRAP Synchro

Burpee Box Jumps

Event #2: For Time - 10 minutes, Maximum Effort Dead Hang

Event #3: For Load – 15 minutes to determine a max 50’ Sled Drag

Event #4: 240 Calorie Row – WMS Rx - 42cpm and Men Rx - 60 cpm

Event #5: For Time – Obstacle Course

The Games extend a special thanks to participating first responders and supporters. Overall 1st Place: Windsor Police Services Team; 2nd Place: Windsor Fire & Rescue Services Team and 3rd Place: CMHA-WECB Team; with a very close following by EMS Essex-Windsor and Windsor CrossFit. Their combined effort in fitness ability and generous donations helped raise over $6,000 in support of Canadian Mental Health Association first responder programs and services.

Can-Am Games “Run With Responders” – Register NOW!

Along with a call for first responders to register for any of the 44 sporting events, games organizers recently announced residents can participate in several events.

“We have space for 150 participants in the 5K (July 27 at 7 p.m.), 10K (July 28 at 7 p.m.) and 21K half marathon road race (July 30 at 7 a.m.), and space for 75 participants in the Cross Country 5K (July 27 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.) and 10K (July 28 from 8 a.m. to 11a.m.),” said Games General Manager Jan Wilson. “We think this opportunity to run with and in support of our first responders will be a special memory for a lot of people. And there will be other event opportunities announced soon!”

Runners can register at raceroster.com.

Have you checked out the tours you can participate in at this year’s games? When you register – make sure you add on the Beer & Whisky Tour or Garden & Pizza Tour available Thursday through Saturday.

Beer & Whisky Tour – In a city home to North America’s largest distillery, we know great whisky! Did you also know Windsor is home to six breweries and six more within 30 minutes? We invite you to check out a few of our Barrels Bottles & Brews top spots during your visit. Leave the driving to us, sit back and enjoy time with friends old and new to learn the history of whisky and beer in Windsor by exploring local production, sensory elements and paired bites! This all inclusive tour costs $85 per person.

Garden & Pizza Tour - What a combo! Windsor is home to 210 parks AND the best pizza in the world! When you join us on this tour, you will experience the natural beauty of one of our exceptional parks along with a visit to the gloriously restored Willistead Manor. Every tour and story deserves a perfect ending and we have one for you. Enjoy the most memorable pizza ever along with a beverage of your choice served to you on the outdoor patio. This 2.5-hour tour and tasting will be one you don’t want to miss and is offered for FREE.

For more details on all our social events please click here.

Advanced registration is required for the guided tours.

Registration is open now!

Team Sports Deadline: July 1, 2022

Accommodations

Book your room now at our host hotel - Caesars Windsor with rooms starting at $179 a night.

Caesars Windsor will be non-stop action the entire week hosting the Gun ‘n Hoses Lounge, the Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament, and just steps from the opening ceremonies and two blocks from downtown Windsor. The action continues on property with 8 bars & lounges, valet parking, live entertainment on select nights, and of course gaming action on the casino floor.