Twitter
Facebook
The 2012 U.S. Air Forces in Europe Firefighter Combat Challenge took place Sept. 15 at the USAFE Fire Academy on Ramstein.
To win the challenge, participants had to complete several events with the fastest time. Each event simulated exactly what firefighters do in real life.
“Teamwork is huge for the tandem and team portions,” said Staff Sgt. Justin King, 886th Civil Engineer Squadron crew chief and combat challenge participant. “You will see everyone out here cheering their teammates on throughout the whole competition, and that helps a lot.”
The first event was a five-story stairwell sprint. Participants had to climb a three-story tower while carrying a hose, said Tech. Sgt. James Hickman, Fire Academy NCOIC and coordinator for this year’s combat challenge.
“When competitors get to the top of the tower they must place the pack in a specific location,” he said.
Once at the top of the tower, the competitors started the second event — a hose hoist. They had to carry a donut roll of hose to the top and place it in a specified area. After that was done, participants climbed down the tower, ensuring every step was touched.
“Forcible entry is the third event. The Keiser Force Machine is utilized to simulate a forcible entry by hitting a mallet against a sled, driving it along a steel beam,” Hickman said.
Competitors then dragged a water-filled fire hose 75 feet and shot the water at a target.
“The last event is the victim rescue. Participants drag a 175-pound mannequin backward 106 feet,” Hickman said. “The time then stops when the competitor and the mannequin completely cross the finish line.”
The challenge could be done individually, in a team of two or as a team of five, and there were trophies for each section.
King won the individual competition with a time of one minute, 45 seconds.
King and his partner, Tech. Sgt. Phillip Washburn, 886th CES district chief and event participant won with a finish time of one minute, 27 seconds.
Team KMC won the team competition with a time of one minute, 24 seconds and will go on to compete in the world competition.
Even while competing against people from other countries, there was a sense of brotherhood and camaraderie, Hickman said.
“Everyone is always helping each other,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if you are on a different team, we are always sharing strategies. I would do anything for any one of these guys.”
