The "dummy drag" portion of the obstacle course at the Seattle Joint Training Facility, 9401 Myers Way South, West Seattle today. Pictured left, Eric Lawyer, of Fire Station 6 at Yessler and 23rd, and right is Jake Bange, Ladder 11 with Fire Station Engine 32 in West Seattle. The two fire houses competed in the first heat, and West Seattle won.
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West Seattle Engine 32 WINS!
From 9am to Noon today Seattle firefighters raced up and down tower, and through an obstacle course which replicates skills needed during emergencies at the City of Seattle Joint Training Facility, 9401 Myers Way South, West Seattle.
More than half a dozen Seattle firefighting teams compete head-to-head on an obstacle course designed to reinforce the skills needed for the physically demanding profession.
Seattle Fire Department Battalion Chief James Hilliard emceed as sons Jack and Max, 8 watched the competition from the stands. Max did the opening coin toss. Loud rock music including AC/DC screamed out of the speakers to get the competitors fired up.
Melissa Woolsey has been with fire department nine years. She is with Station 25 on Capitol Hill. Some of her male counterparts at the station told the Herald she could kick their butts.
"They're just saying that because I am right here," she said with a laugh. "I've been on the Combat Challenge Team since we started, in 2006. I'm excited that we are finally having this internal competition. It's for our own charity and it's great.
"This really emulates what we do," she added. "We can't help ourselves. I wanted to be a firefighter since I was a kid.I went and joined the army and then people thought, 'OK. She could handle this.' I had a very supportive family."
Teams begin by scaling a several story tower 43 feet height wearing 50-pounds of fire gear. Next, a team member hoists a heavy bundle of hose up to the top of the tower using a rope. After running down the tower, another teammate wields a sledgehammer to propel a sled down a track. The next team member maneuvers through an obstacle course, pulls a charged fire hose and sprays a target. Finally, the team anchor drags a 180- pound dummy to the finishing line.
“The Intramural Combat Relay Challenge” is designed to prepare firefighters for the eventualities crews face on the job. All of the challenges replicate specific skill sets needed during emergencies.
The proceeds from the event will go to Seattle’s Bravest Charity which benefits victims of fires, helps elderly residents through a Home Rescue Program and donates bike helmets to children in need.
