Edhat Staff
The City of Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Police Department would like to congratulate and applaud Officer Michaela Bebernes for her recent accomplishment at the World Police and Fire Games held in Los Angeles, CA on August 14th and 15th 2017. Officer Bebernes competed in the Women’s Crossfit Elite division (ages 18 to 29) and earned a podium spot by taking a third place overall finish in the competition (amongst over 35 international participants) earning herself a bronze medal. She finished well and narrowly missed out on the top podium spot. 
The World Police and Fire Games started in 1983 as a competition geared towards the health, wellness and comradery of first responders throughout the world. It is modeled after the California Police Olympics (established in 1967) and, “the aim of the World Police and Fire Games is to offer the same variety of sports, and same high caliber of venues, officials and athletic achievements as the California Games, but on a global scale” (World Police and Fire games website). Crossfit categories have been added to the games recently and have proven to be highly popular. 
Officer Bebernes, who has been a Police Officer with the City of Santa Barbara for the last year and a half, is an avid Crossfit competitor. Michaela competed in the 2017 Crossfit Open competition held in Southern California, where she finished 4th overall (law enforcement division). Her success at the Open placed her 26th in the world for female law enforcement competitors. This high finish earned her an invitation into the Elite Division of the World Police and Fire Games.
At the World Police and Fire Games, Officer Bebernes competed in 5 events over two days. The events incorporated overall body fitness along with strength and endurance. Many of the stages included running with weighted vests, repeating cycles of exercises several times, and pushing through fatigue while still lifting heavy weights.
Officer Bebernes stated she was extremely happy with the results of the competition and believes that exercise and fitness is the key to a long career and life. She is a valued member of the Police Department and takes pride in her job and working for the City. Her accomplishments at the World Police and Fire Games are a testament to her drive and determination, and the Police Department looks forward to her future competitions, as well as her work in our community.
