Over forty-five fire departments compete in eighteen different events
New Braunfels, TX Texas Firefighter Games will converge on New Braunfels July 17-22 for the first time since the game’s inception in 1983, hosting over 45 fire departments from across Texas, as well as Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and New Mexico. Firefighters will compete in 18 different events like soccer, sand volleyball, sporting clays, powerlifting, bowling, golf, and bass fishing in locations across New Braunfels.
“Our motto is fitness and friendship among firefighters,” said Texas Firefighter Games President Eric Harr, who is a firefighter for Volente Fire Department near Lake Travis. “These Games get us out of the fire house and into adventure and comradery. Plus, we always want to find a location where our families will have a lot of fun and make memories, too. And New Braunfels was a perfect fit.”
Texas Firefighters Games is a non-profit organization managed by current and retired firefighter volunteers. Over 1,100 volunteer hours have been dedicated to hosting the Games in New Braunfels.
According to the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Convention & Visitors Bureau (NBCVB) Director of Convention Sales and Services Donna Meurin, it’s one of the largest conventions New Braunfels has hosted. “We responded to their request for proposal in 2019, and I worked collectively with The Courtyard Marriott-New Braunfels River Village, New Braunfels Parks & Recreation, as well as Schlitterbahn, and many other businesses in town to meet their needs,” said Meurin.
The Texas Firefighter Games were postponed in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s been a long two years, and we are all pumped to see each other, share time together and play in these games,” said Harr.
At the 2019 games in Round Rock, Texas, New Braunfels Fire Department Firefighter Adam Sadler encouraged Harr to consider New Braunfels for their games. “Adam’s recommendation was taken to heart. His pride in his city runs deep,” said Harr.
New to the Games this year is pickleball, which will be played at Das Rec. “Registration for the event sold out in about three weeks,” said Harr. “Our firefighters have set up pickleball courts in their firehouses to pass time and keep fit. I can’t wait to see who takes home first place.”
“It is an honor for New Braunfels to host the Texas Firefighter Games and provide fun and respite for the firefighters who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” said NBCC, Convention & Visitors Bureau Vice President Mallory Hines. “May the best team win!"
