Strength in Service: Two NSPD Officers Represent Team NS at the 2025 World Police & Fire Games

As the 2025 World Police & Fire Games kickoff in Birmingham, Alabama, more than 8,500 athletes from around the world will step into the spotlight. Among them: two Norfolk Southern Police Department (NSPD) officers—Regional Superintendent Eric Oliver and Special Agent Jay Lacy—who bring more than power to the bench press platform. They bring decades of service, a shared commitment to excellence, and a story of mentorship that reflects the very best of Team NS.
 

From Mentorship to Teamwork

Oliver and Lacy have more than 35 years of combined experience with NSPD, but their bond goes beyond the job. Oliver, who joined NS in 1996 after serving in the U.S. Air Force, hired Lacy nearly a decade ago—and from the start, saw promise in the Birmingham native.
 

“Jay would come to me about all kinds of things,” said Oliver. “I always tried to guide him the way others once guided me.”
 

Over the years, their relationship has grown through shared values, encouragement, and frequent check-ins from the gym. For both, strength—physical and mental—is a mindset they’ve carried throughout their careers.
 

“The Railroad Changed My Life”

Lacy, based in Birmingham’s Norris Yard, grew up in an athletic family, with sports and public service both playing a central role. After following his uncle’s footsteps, he started with a municipal police department in north Alabama. He then discovered the world of railroad policing and jumped at the chance to focus on investigative work.
 

He found his home at NSPD, where he says his team quickly became like family. In 2023, after a medical incident forced him to temporarily step away from work and training, it was their support—along with his family’s—that helped him come back stronger.
 

“I love being part of our team at NS,” he said. “The railroad changed my life.”
 

Now, he’s heading to the Games to represent NSPD in the bench press, fueled by the same team that’s backed him throughout his career.
 

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing,” Lacy said. “I want to do a good job for NS. I want to go and win it.”
 

Service, Strength, and a Come Back

Oliver’s journey began in the U.S. Air Force, where he served in the 15th Security Police Squadron and competed on the U.S. Armed Forces Powerlifting team. When he joined NS in 1996, NS sent him to the police academy which launched his career that’s spanned nearly 29 years and counting.
 

He started in Chicago, then held leadership roles in Memphis and Birmingham before returning to the Windy City, where he now oversees police operations across eight states as the Northern Region Superintendent.
 

“They took a chance on me,” Oliver said. “And I’ve been fortunate to grow and lead in places all across our network.”
 

This year, after some persistent nudging from Lacy—and encouragement from gym buddies, family, and his fellow railroaders— Oliver decided to compete one more time. “At first I said no, I’m chasing grandkids these days instead of weights,” he laughed. “But the more I thought about it, the more I realized: it would be special to get back out there.”
 

He’ll compete in the 55+ bench press category, carrying not just experience, but legacy.
 

“I’m semi-retired from lifting,” he said, “but I’m excited to represent NS. People are watching, and I want to represent for my family and for Team NS.”
 

Backed by Team NS at the Games of Heroes
Norfolk Southern’s presence at the Games reflects more than support for first responders—it’s a continuation of our commitment to service, resilience, and building safer communities, together.

As Lacy and Oliver step onto the competition floor, they carry more than their own stories. They carry the Thoroughbred spirit—leading with strength, showing up with heart, and honoring the values that connect us all.
 

NS is proud to stand alongside first responders as an official sponsor of the 2025 World Police & Fire Games.
 

“Our police work closely with first responders to promote safety and strengthen the communities we serve,” said NS Police Director Chris Stanley. “We’re proud to sponsor these Games—and proud to cheer on Jay and Eric.”
 

Find NS at the Games:

NS Lawmen Band
 

• The Lawmen Band – NS’s nationally recognized band, founded by NSPD officers in 1951, will perform live on June 30.
  
  
• Locomotive Simulator Experience – On June 30 and July 1 in the Athlete’s Village, attendees can step into the cab and experience what it’s like to operate a train—just like our engineers in training.
  
  
• NS Expo Booth – Stop by our booth at the BJCC Exhibition Hall for giveaways, first-aid kits, and more on June 30 and July 1.
   

Whether it’s on the job or at the Games, Team NS shows up ready to deliver—with heart, strength, and grit.