DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — When Macon County Deputy Seth Major is not patrolling the streets, he is training for something a little different—track and field events on the world stage.
Deputy Major recently returned from Birmingham, Alabama, where he competed in the 2025 World Police and Fire Games, a global competition that brings together law enforcement, firefighters and emergency responders from across the globe.
The games, which began in the early 1980s, have since grown into an international event.
Macon County Deputy shines on global stage at World Police and Fire Games
“I was down there competing as a thrower,” Major told WAND News. “It’s been 15 years since I threw. I went to the University of Memphis and competed there, so getting back into that competitive mindset was a lot of fun.”
Major took home bronze in javelin and silver medals in discus, shot put and hammer throw in his age group.
Even more meaningful than the medals, though, was the atmosphere and the people he met along the way.
“It was really neat to talk to them and hear their stories,” he said, referring to fellow competitors. “For some, like the officers from India, winning a medal actually helps them advance in their careers. That brought a whole new level of intensity and perspective.”
Representing Central Illinois at an event with such global reach was something Major did not take lightly.
“People would ask where I’m from and automatically say ‘Chicago.’ I’d have to explain, ‘No, I’m from central Illinois—Decatur.’ I even had to show them on a map,” he joked.
Macon County Deputy shines on global stage at World Police and Fire Games
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