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Shaw firefighters compete at world competition

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Phelps
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. --  Four firefighters from Team Shaw are competing in the World Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, S.C. from Nov. 8 to 13.

The firefighters will be competing against 175 different teams from across the U.S., as well as from France, Germany, Slovenia, Canada and New Zealand.

The competition is considered "the toughest two minutes in sports" and seeks to encourage firefighters' fitness, as well as demonstrates the challenges of the profession to the public.

Pairs of competitors race head-to-head, wearing full "bunker" gear, and the Scott air-pack breathing apparatus, as they simulate the physical demands of real-life firefighting by performing a linked series of five tasks: climbing a five-story tower, hoisting, chopping, dragging hoses and rescuing a life-sized, 175-lb. dummy "victim", while racing against themselves, their opponent and the clock.

"The Firefighter Combat Challenge is a true testament to physical fitness. You can't just show up to the event and compete without being in top physical condition," said Sergeant Thomas. "In preparation for the challenge, we practice three days a week. One day a week is at the Sumter County fire training grounds to try to simulate the five-story tower. Two days a week are at the fire department parking lot, where we set up the bottom half of the course."

Representing Team Shaw are Staff Sgt. Steven Thomas, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter team captain, Senior Airmen Garrett Pope and John Niedrick and Airman 1st Class Cody Nelson.

"Unfortunately, two of our original team members were unable to make it because of family emergencies," said Sergeant Thomas.

The first couple days the team will compete to get their placement in the NCAA-style bracket for the finals later in the week.