Triple gold confirmed by The City of Charlotte in Canada

The City of Charlotte has reported that David Bowman won three gold medals at the 2025 World Police and Fire Games in Winnipeg, Canada.

According to the city, Bowman topped the 50–59 male individual, tandem and relay firefighter challenge categories.

The wins continue a long competitive career that runs alongside his service with Charlotte Fire.

Bowman is 56 and first joined Charlotte Fire in 1997.

The 2025 showing adds to his medals at previous editions of the Games.

Charlotte, United States service and competition record

The City of Charlotte stated that Bowman has competed in the firefighter challenge since 1998 and has completed more than 200 individual runs.

He holds 12 world championships, more than seven national championships and over five world records.

Bowman entered the Dr Paul O Davis Firefighter Challenge Hall of Fame in 2024.

His competitive record sits alongside more than two decades of operational work.

The department indicated that the combination of service and sport is central to how Bowman approaches his role.

Firefighter challenge events and format

Bowman describes the firefighter challenge as a timed course that simulates core tasks while wearing full gear and breathing from an SCBA.

Bowman said: “There are six different elements. You’re on air, just like you would be at a house fire.

“First, you carry a high-rise pack up five flights of stairs.

“You drop it, hoist a second hose up the same stairs, come back down, and then hit a Kaiser machine with a sledgehammer to simulate opening a roof.”

Hose advancement and a rescue drag complete the course. The challenge is often referred to by competitors as a demanding two-minute effort.

Event times and performance comparisons

The City of Charlotte stated that Bowman compared recent times from domestic events with his world performance last year.

Bowman said: “At my last event in St. Paul, I ran it in 1:45.

“The second-place guy was at 2:15.

“But at Worlds last year, I hit 1:38.

“That is the level you have to be at to compete with the best.”

The city added that Bowman has described the event as “the toughest two minutes in sports.”

Operational roles and international links

The City of Charlotte reported that Bowman has served in Special Operations for more than 20 years, including roles with North Carolina’s Urban Search and Rescue team and the NC Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team.

Bowman said: “I think it prepares me better to serve the community.

“If I’m in shape, I can do my job better.

“My goal has always been to be ready when the bell rings, ready to take someone from a bad place to a good place.

“That is what our job is, whether it is a small EMS call or a terrible fire.”

Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson said: “David Bowman is the embodiment of commitment and excellence.

“He is a world-class athlete, a mentor to his peers, and a firefighter whose heart is as strong as his will.

“His success in the firefighter challenge is remarkable, but what inspires me most is how he channels that strength into serving our community.

“He is, without a doubt, one of Charlotte Fire’s modern-day gladiators.”

The city added that Bowman links competition with professional identity and team representation.

Bowman said: “You can’t do this halfway.

“Every event you step into, you’re wearing the Charlotte Fire name.

“That means something to me.

“I want people to know that we’re not just ready for competition, we’re ready for the call.”

The department reported that Bowman also highlighted the international community around the challenge.

Bowman said: “As firefighters, we already have a bond, no matter where you are in the world.

“The challenge just adds another layer.

“I’ve got friends from all over, Canada, Europe, people I talk to all the time.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The City of Charlotte’s report links physical conditioning and role-specific drills with operational readiness for firefighters.

It shows how competitive simulation can reinforce task proficiency under time pressure and respiratory load.

It indicates that peer networks formed through international events can support knowledge exchange across services and jurisdictions.

David Bowman wins three firefighter challenge titles in 2025: Summary

The City of Charlotte reported that David Bowman won triple gold at the 2025 World Police and Fire Games in Winnipeg.

The medals were in the 50–59 male individual, tandem and relay categories.

The city said Bowman joined Charlotte Fire in 1997.

It reported that he began competing in 1998.

The department stated that he has completed more than 200 individual runs.

It said he holds 12 world championships.

It added that he has more than seven national championships and over five world records.

The city noted that Bowman entered the Dr Paul O Davis Firefighter Challenge Hall of Fame in 2024.

It reported that the challenge simulates firefighting tasks while wearing full gear and using an SCBA.

Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson praised Bowman’s service and competitive success.