12 Events A Conversation with James King, President of the California Police Athletic Federation The morning I spoke with James King, firefighters were still battling the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. It was a stark reminder of why the organization he leads—the California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF)—plays such a vital role in supporting first responder wellness and resilience. “These folks don’t go away when the incident is done,” King told me, his voice carrying the weight of his 30 years as a firefighter. “They go back to work, and it never stops. That’s what it takes to be a true public servant—that constant show of grit, determination, and dedication to serving the public.” It’s this understanding that has shaped CPAF’s evolution from a small California-based organization to an international force in first responder athletics. Founded in 1967 by a competitive archer and Navy veteran turned police officer, CPAF now manages multiple large-scale athletic competitions, including the United States Police and Fire Championships (USPFC)—an Olympic-style event featuring 2,700 athletes across 28 venues and 35 sports. For association executives, CPAF’s story offers valuable insights into member engagement, event management, and mission-driven leadership. The organization has mastered the delicate balance of maintaining its grassroots authenticity while scaling to serve an international community. WHERE HEROES GO TO COMPETE How One Federation Turns First Responder Wellness into World-Class Athletic Events By KiKi L’Italien
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