October 5, 2005

Firefighters compete in Challenge

       Three White River Township firefighters competed in the Tyco/Scott Firefighters Combat Challenge regional event in Evansville, Indiana on October 2nd.  The Combat Challenge is an obstacle course that was originally a firefighter fitness evaluation conducted by Dr. Paul Davis from the Boston area.  Click HERE to view the course layout.  It has now grown to a National Event that has gained in popularity over the past decade.  The Challenge, proclaimed to be “the toughest two minutes in sports”, is made up of six combined events while wearing full firefighting gear and breathing air from a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). Those events consist of:

1. 5-Story stair climb while carrying a 40lb Hotel Pack (hose fold)
2. Raising a 42lb hose roll up the 5-story wall by a rope.
3. Completing a ventilation simulator with a 9lb sledge hammer.
4. Run through a zig-zag of cones for a distance of 100 feet.
5. Dragging a charged hose line 75 feet and hitting a target with the stream.
6. Dragging a 175lb rescue dummy 100 feet to the finish.
    

          The White River Township Local 4252 team consisted of Lieutenant Mark Williams, Engineer Eric Wiseman, and Firefighter Justin Walls.  Engineer Wiseman and Firefighter Walls were competing for the fist time ever and nearly came home with a “rookie trophy”.  The team competed as individuals and produced competitive times of 2:01, 2:03, and 2:16, respectively.  "The main reason that our times were so good was due to our rigorous training over the last eight months in the back parking lot of Station 53", said Lieutenant Williams.  "We owe a lot to Steve Coover for bringing his simulator to us every week", he added.  The trio claimed it was a good experience by all and the team surprised themselves with their competitive times.  All of the hard work had finally paid off.  "If we can maintain these times or improve then we can qualify for the World Competition in Florida next year", Lieutenant Williams proclaimed.  The White River Township local 4252 team was graciously sponsored by Paul Davis Restoration services.  More information about the Firefighter Combat Challenge can be found HERE.  Also, see a related story by clicking HERE.

           

           

           
(Click on a thumbnail to enlarge photo)
 

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