Meet Josephine Breckley

Our first featured athlete is Josephine Breckley of the Culpeper Sheriff’s Office in Culpeper, Virginia. Josephine began competing in the 2015 World Police & Fire Games in Fairfax, Virginia in Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Track & Field and Indoor Rowing; winning an impressive 15 medals over 3 Games.

Josephine began training in martial art at the young age of 13 with a dream of making it to the Olympics. Unfortunately, her situation growing up didn’t provide her with the means to attain that goal. When she started working as a jail officer, she began looking for martial arts competitions and that’s how she found the World Police & Fire Games. She never thought she would have the Olympic experience until she attended her first Games.

Working hard for everything she ever needed or wanted has been Josphine’s life story. Sacrificing sleep and time with family for daily training became necessary for her to reach her goals. Through that example, she is able to teach her children that with discipline, work and sacrifice, you can accomplish anything and that it is never too late to achieve your goals and dreams.

“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up; figure out how to climb it, go through it or work around it.”-Michael Jordan

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Postal Inspector, Alofagia Onciano, made the decision to pursue a career in the public sector because her family has deep roots in public service. She joined the US Marine Corps right out of high school and then transitioned to civil service. She eventually found her way into Federal Law Enforcement.

Since 2018, Alofagia has competed at USPFC in Police Action Pistol (PAP). She counts her Mother has her biggest personal influence. “She taught me at a very young age that I am in control of my destiny. If I don’t like what I see, then I have the power to change it.” When asked what advice she has for other women in her field, she states “Be confident in who you are and never waiver from your principles.”

Thank you, Alofagia for being a great competitor, a dedicated public service professional and an everyday hero!

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Elizabeth Finnegan is a firefighter / EMT / EMD with Columbus Division of Fire (Ohio); starting in 2017. She was inspired to get into public service because she had the unfortunate situation of experiencing a house fire as a child. There was a female fire investigator on scene and she told her Mom that one day she wanted to be just like the investigator.

Her biggest professional influence would be Firefighter Sam Towns. He has been a member of the CFD since 1985. She looks to him for guidance to be a better firefighter and person. He has taught her so many life lessons she now calls him her “Fire Dad.”

Since 2019, Elizabeth has competed at USPFC in track and field events including long and triple jumps, 100m, 200m and relays. She is inspired by sports greats Serena Williams and Shaquille O’Neil. “Williams is such a great influence in her field and for girls and women around the world. O’Neil has his hands in so many different things. He maximizes his celebrity athlete status to do so many great things for the communities he serves. He continues to educate himself and is not afraid to try new things.”

Her favorite quote is “Gold medals aren’t really made of gold. They’re made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts.” -Dan Gable
Elizabeth thinks this is true for all the “gold medals” of life.

Thank you, Elizabeth, for being a first responder, an USPFC athlete and an everyday hero!

If you would like to be featured in an upcoming eNewsletter, email STEVEN BLOCKER