Belgrave Police– Paul Pickering
BELGRAVE Police constable Lauren Halliwell has helped the Victoria Police women’s basketball team administer some serious punishment to opposing forces in the World Police and Fire Games in Adelaide last month.
The Vics completed an undefeated run in the tournament with an 82-40 win over reigning champions the Los Angeles Police Department in the final.
Const. Halliwell struggled with an Achilles injury throughout the tournament, but managed to make a solid contribution to the team – which also included WNBL player Deanne Butler.
Const. Halliwell, who has previously represented Knox in the Victorian Basketball League, said the event was a great opportunity for the policewomen to relax and socialise with other officers from around the world.
“We were pretty much partying every night.”
She said the opening ceremony was also a highlight, with the 8000 competitors parading onto the Adelaide Oval to the music of the Choir Boys and the Rogue Traders.
Despite the party atmosphere that continued throughout the games, Const. Halliwell was quick to note that the officers were all well behaved.
“I think it was pretty much the safest environment you could possibly be in,” she said.
The World Police and Fire Games are held every two years, with the 2008 games being held in Vancouver.
