Lloydminster Fire Department firefighter (LFD) Routsalainen brought home two gold medals from the 2025 World Fire and Police Games.
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The competition took place from June 27 to July 6 in Birmingham, Ala.
“I feel I should be in the best shape I can be to serve my community; the best that I can,” he said. “Competition is just a way to keep me motivated for staying fit.”
He competed in two powerlifting events, a bench press on July 1 and a combined bench press and deadlift (called a push-pull) on July 4.
“I did 112.5 kg (248 lbs) on bench press. That was enough to win by 5 kilos,” said Routsalainen. “On the push-pull day, I did 112.5 kilos again on the bench press, and then 170 kg (375 lbs) on the deadlift, which was enough to win by about 40 kilos.”
The event was more than just a competition for Routsalainen, who took the trip on his own time and at his own expense.
“I used it as a holiday, really, just as a fun thing to do,” he said.
As a firefighter, the atmosphere was something he’ll never forget.
“It was a very electric atmosphere,” said Routsalainen. “I was surrounded by my peers from all over the world … it was really just like a family more than a bunch of strangers.”
Routsalainen trained with Capt. Mark Lane of the Lloydminster Fire Department, who helped guide him to where he’d have the best chance of winning.
“He had worked out with me for a few years and said I would probably win if I applied myself and he was right. It’s very similar to firefighting; you train like you’re going to work,” said Routsalainen, noting his LFD team was with him every step of the way.
“Everybody’s been very supportive,” he said. “I had numerous texts and messages from people. They were invested in my training.”
Routsalainen has the chance to defend his title in Australia in 2027.
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