that being in excellent physical condition is

important when rescuing people from burning buildings.

 and Police Games, held earlier this month in Indianapolis.

Bonney, 27, brought home the gold medal in the motocross

competition and a bronze medal in the euroscramble,

a cross-country dirt bike race through woods.

"I had a great time and I met so many nice people," said Bonney,

 who hopes to travel to Spain to compete in the 2003 games.

Bonney represented the Wallingford Fire Department as well

as the International Association of Firefighters Local 1326 at the games.

"We're really proud of him," said Capt. James Duffy.

"He worked real, real hard for this. He's an athlete. It's his second calling."

For his gold medal in the motocross event, Bonney had to complete

a 1½-mile course that included jumps.

The euroscramble event was a grueling 10-mile course that included

a water crossing, uphill and downhill areas and obstacles such

as loose dirt, woods, rocks and trees.

The event drew about 219,700 spectators and about 8,000 competitors.

In his event and age category, Bonney had to beat more than

a dozen competitors.

The World Games are held every two years in a different city.

Competition is open to full-time and retired law enforcement

officers and career firefighters.

The event, established in 1985, is an outgrowth of the

California State Games, which began in 1967.

"That was a difficult time for law enforcement," said Leah Raab,

 office manager for the World Games in San Diego. "Our founder

 knew that physical competition and exercise help relieve stress.

 He felt that getting law enforcement officers in competition

 would not only foster camaraderie, but would relieve stress."

Events include everything from ice hockey, Ping-Pong and golf to softball,

 horseshoes, swimming and darts. Participants compete against

 others in their age category.