Avon Police Officer Competes in World Police and Fire Games

Avon Police Officer Susan Kassey recently competed in the 2015 World Police and Fire Games and came home victorious.

She competed in track and field and finished first in her division in shot put 3 kg with 8.89 m (29’ 2”) and first in the long jump with 4.07 m (13’ 4.24”), ahead of competitors from Australia and Brazil. Kassey, the only representative from the United States in both of these events, proudly displayed an American flag that once belonged to her father.

As a student at Newington and New Britain high schools, she participated in track and field. Then, after being away from track and field for 35 years, Kassey read about the Nutmeg State Games being held in New Britain and decided to register for the 2014 games.

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In February 2014, Kassey competed in the 2014 USATF Connecticut Open Indoor Track and Field Championships in New Haven and went on to compete in May 2014 at the Connecticut Masters Games in Plainville. In July 2014, Kassey competed in the Nutmeg State Games in New Britain, where she finished in first place in javelin, first place in shot-put, and first place in the long jump (only the second time she competed in this type of event).

She also broke two records that day – in shot put and in the long jump.

In January 2015, Kassey competed at an indoor meet at Wesleyan University and placed first in shot put and long jump competitions. She also placed second in the 55 meter dash and is currently ranked third nationally in the “Master Rankings” of U.S.A. Track and Field.

In May 2015, at the Connecticut Masters, Kassey placed first in the 50 meter run and first in the long jump.

She began her personal track and field competition journey to meet new people and have fun and has continued to compete at events in Connecticut and other areas of the country. Her goals from the outset were to stay in shape and compete at the local level. She works to “strive for excellence” and wants to “be the best I can be; personally, professionally, and in track and field.”

Kassey has been an Avon police officer for nearly 20 years and has received many commendations in her law enforcement career. Her background as a police officer includes Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance certification as a truck inspector (the department’s only certified inspector), membership in the Avon Police Honor Guard, and serving as an Avon Police Cadet Advisor. Kassey is also highly trained in dealing with individuals with mental illness and is certified in crisis intervention.

Photo courtesy of the Avon Police Department.