Former Bradwell Institute graduates and brothers Jarvis and Derek Braxton proved they could still compete in track like they did during their Tiger days. The brothers, both law-enforcement officers, earned several medals at the 2015 World Police and Fire Games in in Fairfax, Virginia.

Derek Braxton, 36, graduated from BI in 1997 and is currently a DUI investigator and patrolman for the Tallahassee, Florida, Police Department.
His younger brother, Jarvis Braxton, 31, graduated from BI in 2002 and is an investigator for a specialized task-force unit in the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office.

The 2015 World Police and Fire Games were conducted at George Mason University Stadium from June 26 through July 5 and featured 50,000 athletes representing 60 countries in Olympic-style events.
Jarvis Braxton said he and his brother have competed yearly in national events.

“This is a very unique bonding experience between me and my brother,” he said. “I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Braxton said they grew up running track together for the Fort Stewart Recreation Center, but once school started, their age difference kept them somewhat apart.
“So naturally, these nationwide competitions (are) a way for us to bond and compete alongside one another,” he said.

Braxton said he and his brother managed to stay injury-free during this year’s competition. Hamstring injuries have plagued both brothers in the past. He added that many of his friends and family made the trip to Fairfax to cheer them both on.
“It was an amazing experience to be a part of the world games alongside my big brother and my family cheering in the stands,” Braxton said, adding that it reminded him of the good old days when friends and family would cheer the boys while they competed at BI.

Braxton finished in sixth place in the 400-meter run with a time of 55.480 seconds in the men’s 30-34 age group. He also placed sixth in the same classification for the long jump with a leap of 17-feet, 5.06 inches. Braxton earned bronze medals as part of the men’s 400 and 1600 relay team.

Derek Braxton earned bronze medals in the 100-meter run (11.96 seconds) as well as the 400 and 1600 relay team alongside his brother. He earned a silver medal for the triple jump, leaping 35-feet, 7.17 inches in the men’s 35-39 age group.

The Braxton brothers are the children of Hinesville residents retired Sfc. Lewis J. Braxton and retired GS-13 Lucia W. Braxton.