Running to save lives

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SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The physical demands of first responders can be very challenging. Recently, five 4th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) firefighters competed in the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge to prove they are more than prepared to take on the heat.

The Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge is an annual event that simulates the physical demands of real-life firefighting. All military and civilian firefighters can compete in the challenge as long as they are a member of a first responder organization.

"The challenge motivates me to improve in my profession as a first responder," said Staff Sgt. Roger Kemp, 4 CES firefighter crew chief.

Competitors perform five tasks which include climbing a five-story tower, hoisting, chopping, dragging hoses and rescuing a life-sized, 175 pound "victim." To qualify in both individual and team relay races the competitors have to finish in less than two minutes.

"We might not have the fastest team but we are the best team," said Robert Columbus, 4 CES firefighter driver operator. "Being the best team prepares us for any situation."

Outstanding competitors are awarded for their efforts by being entered into the Lion's Den. The den is a club of recognized competitors, individuals and teams, who have achieved the highest peak in their performance within the combat challenge. An individual and team may only be inducted into the Lion's Den once during their entire career. Qualifying times are:
· A male competitor must complete a relay in less than or equal to 100 seconds
· A female competitor must complete a relay in less than or equal to 3:00 minutes.
· Any competitor over 40 years of age must complete a relay in less than or equal to 2:00 minutes.
· Any competitor over 50 years of age must complete a relay in less than or equal to 2:30 minutes.

The den is used to push individuals to work harder, promote fitness and perform better at their job. The new inductees will receive Lion Varsity jackets, helmet sticker, lapel pin and a framed certificate of achievement at the Lion's Den induction ceremony.

"Moving as fast as I can may enter me in the Lion's Den but at the end of a day, it can save a life," Staff Sgt. Skipper Valentin-Cruzado, 4 CES fire inspector.

Competitors can be disqualified from the challenge too. The baton passing must be a clear hand-to-hand transfer to advance to the next event. Losing control of the baton will stop a team from progressing in the challenge. Failure to attend an event, altering gear, skipping events, unsportsmanlike conduct, passing the baton in an illegal manner and not finishing the course in 6 minutes will result in disqualification from the challenge.

For any more information visit www.firefighterchallenge.com.