Whiteman firefighters burn through the competition

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jason Barebo
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Recently members of the 509th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department participated in the Dr. Pepper Regional Firefighter Combat Challenge in Altus, Okla. 

The competition challenges consisted of participants wearing full bunker gear and a SCOTT Air-Pak breathing apparatus. Pairs of competitors race head-to-head as they simulate the physical demands of real-life firefighting. 

"Training for this competition takes serious dedication," said Tech. Sgt. Cory McGee, 509th CES Fire Department. 

Each competitor performs a linked series of five tasks including climbing a five-story tower, hoisting, chopping, dragging hoses and rescuing a life-sized 175 lb. "victim" as they race against themselves, their opponent and the clock. 

"Our team has been practicing since March and will continue (participating in) competitions until November when the world finals are held in Las Vegas," added the five year competitor. 

The Whiteman Team consisted of Sergeant McGee, Mr. Chris Finkes, Senior Airman Derrick Allen, Airman 1st Class Tim Vanden Haak and Airman 1st Class Megan Melanson. The Team Members earned several honors for Whiteman, including: 

2nd place out of 21 teams in the relay event 

2nd place out of 22 teams in the open male tandem category 

1st place out of 3 teams in the co-ed category