Firefighter challenge sparks friendly competition

By: Thema Ponton | SCNOW
Published: July 19, 2008

The firefighter combat challenge is one of several activities during this week's 103rd annual South Carolina fire rescue conference.

Firefighters said while the firefighter combat challenge can be a lot of fun, they are also in competition against each other.

They are competing for the title of world champion.

But it's not just all fun and games; the combat challenge simulates the physical demands of real-life firefighting.

When the whistle blows, the first step on a five story tower is just the beginning.

Firefighters wearing full bunker gear and carrying a full tank of air make their way to the top to hoist a coiled hose up the length of the stairs and then run back down.

Then it's on to the Kaiser sled, which simulates forcing entry into a building, then around the obstacles, pulling the hose, and finally dragging a 175 pound rescue dummy, backwards.

Firefighters said competing in the challenge helps them get more physically fit.

"That’s a great thing to see in the fire service because that's always been the biggest thing in the fire service across the country, maybe even the world is that um, um, unhealthy firefighters and we just don't to see that anymore." said Michael Medeiros with Team Horry

Hundreds of firefighters from all over the state are coming to see their brothers compete against each other in a show of strength, stamina, and skill.

They are competing against themselves, their opponents, and the clock.

"With the crowd here you can see how important it is, and where you get a bunch of guys together with the testosterone we all have competitive nature and then throw in the firefighting aspect of it, it's pretty intense." said Lt. Stephen Schuessler with the Myrtle Beach Fire Department.

No matter who wins the challenge, firefighters said everybody wins when more there are more fit firefighters, because a fit firefighter is a better firefighter.

The state fire rescue conference wraps up Saturday afternoon with closing ceremonies at the Myrtle Beach convention center where some Myrtle Beach fire fighters will be getting a special award.