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Video above: Lulu Gribbin helps light the WPFG ceremonial flameMore than 8,500 first responders from more than 70 countries are gathered in Birmingham for the World Police and Fire Games. During the Game of Heroes opening ceremony, several local heroes were honored as they took part in kicking off the games:Jamal JonesOn Wednesday, July 12, 2023, firefighters Jordan Melton and Jamal Jones were doing routine morning maintenance at BFRS Station 9 on 27th Street North in the Norwood neighborhood, according to the Birmingham Police Department and Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service.Around 8:30 a.m., a man entered the station through an open bay and opened fire, striking both Melton and Jones. Both firefighters were then rushed to UAB Hospital, where Melton later died.During the World Police & Fire Games opening ceremony, Jones was honored in front of the crowd as he helped to display the games' flag.Deputy Brad Johnson Bibb County Deputy Brad Johnson was shot and killed in the line of duty on June 30, 2022, a day after he and another deputy were shot while chasing a suspect in a suspected stolen vehicle.The other deputy, Chris Poole, survived, and the suspect, Austin Hall, was eventually captured and charged with capital murder in the death of Deputy Johnson.Johnson's death led to the passage of the Deputy Brad Johnson Act, which reduces the number of days off a sentence an inmate can accrue, and it also prohibits "good time" off for any inmate if they commit serious violations in prison.Johnson's wife and daughters assisted with the display of the World Police & Fire Games flag.Lulu Gribbin15-year-old Lulu Gribbin was one of three people bitten by a shark off the Florida Panhandle. She was severely injured and ended up losing part of her left arm and leg.In honor of the first responders who helped to save her life, Gribbin was asked to help carry the torch that lit the ceremonial flame to begin the games.James RobinsonIn June 2020, Springville Fire Captain James Robinson suffered a significant heart attack while preparing for work.Following his rescue and recovery, Robinson has become a major advocate for CPR training and first responder health.Robinson assisted Jones and the Johnson family in displaying the games' flag.Stay updated on the latest stories with the �������� 13 app. You can download it here.