Bill Merrylees, C. E. O.
Bill Merrylees is a retired Superintendent with the London Police Service in London, Ontario, Canada with 40 years of experience. Bill is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in 2008. Bill has been awarded the Police Order Merit, 40 Year Exemplary Police Service Medal, and the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Bill has competed in the games since 2000 winning medals in Golf, Softball, 5k and 10k Cross Country,10k and 21k Run . He was the Chair of the Sport Technical Committee for the 2004 London Can-Am Police-Fire Games which had 876 competitors in 46 events at 37 venue sites. Bill was appointed to the Board in March 2005 and became the CEO in 2010.
Kevin Kalbfleisch, Secretary
Kevin is a retired Battalion Chief with the Lewiston Fire Department in Lewiston Idaho and has 26 years of experience. He was appointed to the board in 1993 and had recently returned after a short leave of absence. Kevin has participated in the games since 1988, competing in TCA, TFA, Track and Field, Basketball, Triathlon and Waterskiing.
Lonnie Croal, Board Member
Lonnie is a retired Sergeant with the Edmonton (Alberta) Police Service and lives in his hometown of Calgary Alberta. Lonnie has served on numerous boards including the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the Canadian Association of Police Educators, and the Calgary Police Rodeo Association. On top of competing in biathlon, TCA, and shooting and running events, Lonnie has been fortunate enough to coordinate several sporting events with emergency services games organizations. He is thrilled to be selected to the Can-Am Police-Fire Games board and is looking forward to his first games.
Gary Gibson, Board Member
Gary is a retired Staff Sergeant with the Calgary Police Service and has eight years prior service with the R.C.M.P. He was appointed to the board in 1990 and elected Canadian President in 1993. Gary served as Director for the 1993 Games in Calgary and was the Executive Director of Sports for the 1997 World Police and Fire Games in Calgary. In 1999 he attended the World Police and Fire Games in Stockholm, Sweden as a competitor and also the Chief Referee of the P.P.C. Shooting competition. Since retiring in 1998 Gary continues to get enjoyment and satisfaction from devoting time to the Can-Am Police-Fire Games.
Lagina Fitzpatrick, CMP, CHSC, Board Member
Lagina has been in the hospitality/tourism industry for over 36 years at Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality & Restaurant Management from MO State University
Lagina currently serves as the Executive Director of the Lake of the Ozarks Tri-County Lodging Association (TCLA). TCLA is the certified DMO (Destination Marketing Organization) for the three counties (Camden, Miller, and Morgan County) surrounding the Lake of the Ozarks.
Lagina spearheaded the bid process for the Lake of the Ozarks to host the 2018 and 2020 Games. The Lake of the Ozarks is the only destination in the 40+ history of the Games to be awarded back-to-back Games.
Lagina enjoys her time on the Lake as well as traveling and spending time with her friends and family which includes five adorable grandkids.
Russell Kroum, Board Member
Russell is a retired Captain with the Walla Walla Fire Department in Walla Walla Washington. He retired after 38 years of service as a Paramedic, Firefighter, Training Officer, and Shift Commander. He hosted the 1992 Northwest Police – Fire Games in Walla Walla with just over 1,000 participants. Russ has participated in six Can-Am Police-Fire Games, the World Fire Games in Las Vegas, and the World Police and Fire Games in Calgary, Alberta. He has competed in Basketball, Swimming, and Paintball.