Niagara police win friendly cross-border tug of war against U.S. law enforcement

Officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service and various U.S. law enforcement agencies took part in the annual International Law Enforcement Tug of War.

The competition came with plenty of team spirit. It’s the only international dispute where everyone’s pulling for each other.

The tension was tight. The rope was tighter. And right in the middle of the Rainbow Bridge, Canadian and American law enforcement officers were locked in a friendly tug of war. Members of the Niagara Falls Police Department and Niagara County Sheriff’s Office came ready.

The 58th annual International Law Enforcement Tug of War turned the border into a battle of bragging rights — with a whole lot of laughs mixed in. Before the rope started moving, the Niagara Regional Police Service paraded down Clifton Hill — led by the chief’s honour guard and the crowd-favourite pipe band.

Then it was game on. Boots dug in. Shoulders dropped. And for a few intense minutes, the only thing crossing the border was the rope.

“I think it’s particularly important for us to continue these sorts of events given current events as a demonstration of our solidarity with our law enforcement partners on both sides of the border,” said Bill Fordy, Niagara’s police chief.

The event has been pulling people to Niagara Falls for nearly six decades — drawing big crowds on both sides of the border.

“I think it’s great. It’s a good little competition,” said one spectator. Another spectator added: “I feel like it’s just a fun game that they play. Whatever the outcome is, it’s just something that everyone looks forward to every year.”

And while there is a trophy up for grabs, officers say the real win is the cross-border camaraderie.

“This just shows that we’re brothers and sisters no matter what’s going on around the world, and we all come together for something like this. And it’s just a great show of unity,” said Nicholas Ligammari, superintendent of police for the Niagara Falls Police Department.

For one afternoon, the Rainbow Bridge turned into the ultimate test of teamwork, strength and some good old-fashioned friendly tugging between neighbours.

And this year Canada gets the bragging rights. Both the men’s and women’s teams swept their American counterparts 2-0 and are taking home the title of cross-border tug of war champions.

WATCH MORE: Niagara Region home to many Buffalo Sabres fans as playoff rivalry with Canadiens reignites