Pelham firefighter David Payne metaled in three events at the Southeastern Championship Police and Firefighter Games held recently in Birmingham.

The 41-year-old, 18-year veteran firefighter won the gold in powerlifting and bench press and the silver and the Toughest Competitor Alive competition at the games.

The powerlifting competition consisted of bench press, dead lift and squat. Payne lifted over 1,100 pounds in the dead lift and set a record in the powerlifting event in his age and weight class. He was awarded a medal and watch for his efforts.

The Toughest Competitor Alive competition consisted of seven events &045; a 3-mile run, shot put, 100-meter dash, obstacle course, 20-foot rope climb, pull ups and bench press.

The competition consisted of firefighters and police officers fromm all across the Southeast and almost 600 competitors competed.

Payne, the Pelham Fire Department fitness coordinator, thanked his co-workers for their support.

&uot;I want to thank the City of Pelham Fire Department, which keeps fitness as one of its priorities,&uot; Payne said.

&uot;I also want to thank my shift (C shift) for all of their support in preparing me for this, as well as Powerhouse Gym for their state-of-the-art weight training facilities.&uot;

Payne says his main motivations are staying healthy and being able to perform his job to the best of his ability