Firefighter challenge improves moral, relations

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nathan Doza
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The 31st Fighter Wing group and squadron commanders and the 31st Security Forces squadron competed against their firefighting colleagues in a rigorous obstacle course challenge Oct. 12. 

The firefighter challenge, an intense, spirited competition, is designed to encourage firefighter fitness and demonstrate their profession. 

The challenge also provided the public with a greater appreciation of the physical demands of firefighting. 

Unlike sports that exist solely for entertainment value, the challenge is about performing one of the most dangerous and demanding jobs safer and better. 

"The firefighter challenge is really about a few things," said Tech. Sgt. Mark Belton, 31st Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter. "First, it shows the level of physical fitness required by the fire department in the Air Force. It also shows other organizations how difficult and challenging it is to actually wear the firefighter gear and how we continually work in rigorous conditions each and every time we put it on. Professional firefighters are required annually to accomplish an advanced firefighting challenge to keep them mission ready." 

Wearing "full bunker gear" and a breathing apparatus, firefighters simulated the physical demands of real life firefighting by competing in a linked series of tasks. 

Competitors had to zigzag 50 feet through simulated fire hydrants while carrying a 42-pound hose roll. Next, they move an attack hose 75 feet. Immediately following,  participants had to swing a nine-pound shot mallet on the end of a 160-pound steel beam. Finally, competitors dragged a life-sized, 175-pound "victim" 50 feet to the finish line. 

Sergeant Belton said that while winning was important, it was not the entire focus of the event. 

The challenge really brought together the two units, he said. We also got to see a little bit about what each unit does on a daily basis. 

"Fire safety is extremely important to not only personnel, but Air Force assets," said Sergeant Belton. "Fire safety helps keep everyone vigilant and knowledgeable in fire safety areas, helping drastically reduce fires." 

"Win, lose or draw it's about the camaraderie and the sportsmanship of the challenge," he added.