Some members who will be representing Medicine Hat at the FireFit Worlds & Canadian National Championships held in Kamloops are pictured in this city handout photo. The competition runs until Sept. 29.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
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Six local firefighters are training to compete in two upcoming firefighter competitions that are known to push first responders to their limits through a series of high-intensity tasks that could be encountered during real-life emergencies.
Events can include hi-rise stair climbing, hose drags and advances, victim extrication and rescue and forceable entry that must be completed in full ‘turnout’ gear under strict time limits and rules.
According to FireFit’s website, “The event is very demanding,” and “training prior to competition is imperative.”
Steve Seymore, Jason Labash, Michael Arnold, Josh Hauck, Dylan Yanke and Josh Fauth will be representing Medicine Hat and have been training for the competition during their off-duty hours.
“Their dedication and teamwork have prepared them to take on the national and world stages, where they will compete in the individual, team, relay and Tech2 events,” states a media release from the city.
Today the team will begin competition at FireFit Worlds & Canadian National Championships held at McAurther Park in Kamloops. The competition runs until Sept. 29 and will feature more than 350 firefighters across Canada and internationally.
On Oct. 21 the team will be traveling to Music City to represent the Hat during the five-day Firefighter Challenger League World Challenge at Nashville’s Fairgrounds and Speedway Infield, and will face off against some of the fitter firefighters in five regions across the U.S.
