The cooler weather was ideal for firefighters participating recently in the 2023 FireFit Championships in Saugeen Shores. The Lake Huron Regional Event took place on August 26th and 27th and featured a series of competitions based on fire fighting tasks commonly performed in emergency situations.
A demanding event, participants’ preparedness is essential and both Stations 11 and 12 of the Kincardine Fire and Emergency Services (KEFS) were ready to compete. They entered a hybrid relay team and had members compete within the individual categories that included:
· FireFit Relay – a 3 to 5 person team event
· FireFit Tec2 – a 2 person technical relay
· FireFit Individual – a solo event
· FireFit Team – a 3 to 5 person team event
“Our members were excited to participate in the FireFit event last weekend and they really gave it their all,” said Shane Watson, Community Emergency Management Coordinator/Fire Prevention Officer for KEFS and FireFit competitor. “It’s an intense sport and we’re really pleased with our results.”
Greg Simmons came home with a silver from the men’s 45 and over individual competition on Saturday, while the hybrid relay team of Colleen Jacques, Greg Simmons, Drew Dudgeon, Dave Palmer, and Shane Watson ran three rounds of the course beating teams from Minto and Clearview. Eventually eliminated by the number one ranking team from Brampton, the team is waiting for overall results to see if they’ll be competing at the upcoming national FireFit competition in Sarnia on September 17th.
“There’s no rest on the horizon for the team,” said Watson. “If we aren’t at the FireFit nationals on September 17th, some of the department will be heading to Owen Sound’s Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre where Chatsworth is hosting the 911 Stair Climb event.”
Another intense event, the 911 Stair Climb sees participants racing throughout the arena 10 times, up and down flights of stairs, all while in full firefighting gear. Watson is looking forward to the challenge. “These events are excellent for personal growth, team building and, although they’re physically demanding to prepare for and compete in, they’re also so much fun.”
