The Vestavia Hills City Council this week recognized the 23 members of the Vestavia Hills police and fire departments who participated in the World Police and Fire Games held in the Birmingham metro area in late June and early July.

Eighteen of those first responders came home with medals, officials said.

Police officer Zach Thrift won two gold medals in jiu-jitsu, while firefighter Noah Holly picked up a gold and bronze medal in jiu-jitsu. Police officer Derek Wilcox won silver in jiu-jitsu, while police officer Josh Kidd claimed a bronze medal in that sport.

Police officer Blake Lockhart won silver in angling, and police officer Jake Mollus brought home a bronze medal in pickleball. A softball team from the Vestavia Hills Fire Department captured a silver medal. That team included Cha

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