Brothers Jarvis T. and Derek Braxton, former Bradwell institute track and field competitors, earned several medals at the 2012 United States Police and Fire Championships held June 16-24 in San Diego.
The Braxtons are law-enforcement officers and represented their respective departments. Jarvis Braxton, a 2002 BI graduate, represented the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office.
Derek Braxton, a 1997 BI graduate, represented the Tallahassee Police Department.
The Braxton brothers ran together and earned gold medals as members of the 4-x-100 and 4-x-400-meter relay teams.
Jarvis Braxton also earned silver medals in the 400 run and long jump and a bronze medal in the 200 run in the 21-29 age group.
His older brother also earned silver medals in the 100 and 200 runs in the 30-35 age group.
Jarvis Braxton said it was their fourth major meet and considers it a unique bonding experience between him and his older brother. Both grew up running track for the Fort Stewart recreational team, but as school started the difference in age kept them apart.
“He is five years older than me,” Jarvis Braxton said. “By the time I got to high school, he was already in college, and by the time I got to college he had already graduated.”
The Braxtons attended Valdosta State University, where Jarvis majored in sociology and Derek majored in criminal justice.
Being raised in a military family influenced the older brother to join the police force and the younger one soon followed suit, saying he realized what a positive influence the career path had provided for his brother. It only made sense to start competing in track together. Jarvis Braxton said it keeps them in shape, and they both still love the competition.
“It’s the thrill of being to compete with and against my brother,” Jarvis Braxton said. “It gives us an opportunity to travel and see many places together. Last year, we competed at the World Games in New York, but, unfortunately, my brother and I were injured and could not finish competing in our events. We had to just sit and watch from the sidelines, so it feels great to compete and medal.”
The Braxtons have qualified for the 2013 World Police and Fire Games next August in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
“The World Police and Fire Games is only open to police officers, sheriff deputies, correctional officers, and firefighters,” Jarvis Braxton said. “There will be approximately 15,000 competitors representing over 250 different agencies and 70 different countries throughout the world.”
The brothers also were invited to compete in the inaugural First Responders Game, set for Sept. 29-30 in Tampa.
“We will be competing in the 100-meter run, 200-meter dash, 400-meter run and 4-x-100 meter relay, 4x200 meter relay, 4x400 meter relay and long jump,” Jarvis Braxton said, adding that both brothers plan to win and honor their respective departments.
They are the sons of Lucia W. Braxton and Lewis J. Braxton.