A Memphis police officer recently achieved a remarkable feat at the 2023 World Police and Fire Games in Winnipeg, Canada, earning him the title of the “world’s fastest cop” after setting a new world record.

Davon DeMoss’ journey to this achievement began from a young age, shaped by his two passions for track and field and law enforcement.

Hailing from Jackson, Tennessee, DeMoss had a strong law enforcement influence in his family as his father served as a police officer. Following high school, he ventured to Memphis with aspirations of pursuing a track and field career at the University of Memphis.

Reflecting on his journey, he shared with FOX13: “I came here to run track at the University of Memphis. And so, I’ve been here ever since.”

However, his initial year at university didn’t involve track and field competition. DeMoss had to make the team and prove himself over time to secure a scholarship.

“But my first year at school, I did not run track. I had to walk onto the team, and then I was able to earn a scholarship as I had gotten better over time.”

During his time at the university, he set four track records, including the fastest 100-meter dash. His record-breaking time of 10.05 seconds even qualified him for the Olympics.

Following his college track career, DeMoss pursued professional running. However, his journey was complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic’s travel restrictions and regulations.

Eventually, he decided to leverage his criminology degree and joined the Memphis Police Academy, marking the beginning of his law enforcement career.

“So, when I was in the academy last year, I saw in the hall of fame, Colonel McNeil, and I saw that he was the world’s fastest cop back in the 90s, I believe. And so I knew that something like this was possible,” DeMoss recalled.

In June 2022, DeMoss graduated from the academy and became an officer with the Memphis Police Department. Despite his demanding schedule, he continued to train rigorously to fulfill his dream of representing Team Memphis at the World Police and Fire Games.

DeMoss recounted his intense training routine.

“It was plenty of days during the week to where I would work out twice before work. I would have a track session and then I would have a weight room session, and then I would go into work later on because of my regular 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. shift,” DeMoss said.

Months of dedication paid off when DeMoss and his teammates were ready to compete at the biennial event, which attracts around 8,000 athletes from numerous countries.

DeMoss faced tough competition but navigated through the preliminary heats to reach the final of his specialty, the 100-meter dash.

In the final race, DeMoss sprinted to an early lead and maintained his momentum to secure the gold medal with a final time of 10.45 seconds, thus marking his name in the history books.

Sure enough, the result was a record for the 40-year history of the games, officially earning him the title of the “world’s fastest cop.”

DeMoss and his fellow officers also showcased their athleticism in flag football at the games, earning a silver medal.

Back in Memphis, Officer DeMoss serves at the Tillman Station police precinct, patrolling Ward 524, which encompasses parts of Binghampton and North Memphis.

Despite some prevailing sentiments about law enforcement, he feels respected in his community.

“I like the people there. A lot of people say the police aren’t respected anymore, but I feel like we’re pretty respected as far as in that area, anyways.”

DeMoss added that he is confident and ready to chase down any criminal if necessary.

“When the situation arises to where I may have to chase somebody, I’m pretty confident that I’ll be able to get them.”