Patrik Štefelin, a member of Dubai Police's rescue team, has won the 2026 Firefighter Challenge League (FCL) World Championship in Las Vegas. He completed the demanding course — which involves hauling heavy equipment, climbing stairs and carrying out several rescue manoeuvres against the clock — in one minute and 20.66 seconds, finishing ahead of competitors from around the world.
Before joining Dubai Police's rescue team, Štefelin worked as a specialist trainer in firefighting and rescue sports. After his win, he thanked Dubai Police for the support that allowed him to take part in the championship.
The title adds to a pattern of UAE first-responder athletes performing strongly on the international stage in specialist rescue and firefighting sports in recent years. The Firefighter Challenge is regarded as one of the toughest physical tests in the global first-responder community, drawing competitors from dozens of countries to Las Vegas each year to race through disciplines such as hose carries, tower climbs and simulated casualty rescues. Štefelin's victory places Dubai Police's name among the international honours list in the sport once again.