Photo By Master Sgt. J.D. Strong II | The team of 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection specialists stand in front...... read more read more
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HAMPTON, Va. - Let no man's ghost return to say his training let him down.
These words hang in a training room at the 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron fire department at Langley Air Force Base, Va.
In testament to this mantra, a seven-member team of 633rd CES fire protection specialists qualified to compete in the world Firefighter Combat Challenge, Aug. 18, after two days of qualifying heats at the regional Firefighter Combat Challenge in Charleston, W.Va.
The Firefighter Combat Challenge sought to encourage firefighter fitness and demonstrate the rigors of the profession. Wearing full gear and a breathing apparatus, competitors raced against the clock as they simulated the physical demands of real-life firefighting.
During the challenge, teams performed a series of five events, including climbing a five-story, 41-foot-tall tower, simulated chopping, dragging hoses and rescuing a life-sized, 175-pound mannequin as they strove to finish the course as fast as possible.
"The Firefighter Combat Challenge is the Olympics of firefighting," said Senior Master Sgt. Matthew McQuaig, 633rd CES deputy fire chief. "The challenge brings firefighters together from all over the world to test their skills that are used in real life."
Firefighters need to have above-average strength and agility, and many job functions cannot be performed without maintaining a high fitness level. They require determination and strength to be the first on scene, and run into buildings that others flee from.
The team showed these traits when the physical training to prepare for the regional challenge began in March 2012.
The team began training with an advanced-fitness regimen 5 days a week, then focused on strength training and individually practicing each event they would face during the challenge. After months of training individual strength, the team focused on working as a team for the medley events.
"We had a lot of two to three hour sessions, and two-a-days," said McQuaig. "The training pushed our bodies and minds to new levels we didn't think was possible."
The team qualified for the national challenge in the medley category, and Staff Sgt. Kira Enlow, 633rd CES fire protection specialist, qualified in two events by placing in first place in the tandem race and third place in the individual category.
"It felt great to place, and know that all of our hard work paid off;" she said with a laugh. "But I was disappointed that I didn't do as well as I wanted."
Enlow said that not only did the months of vigorous training get the team to peak physical condition, but it created a strong bond between teammates.
"It's amazing to use camaraderie to achieve something great," she said. "We give each other the drive to work hard and will to do better."
Enlow recalled the cheers of support from her teammates urging her on as she heard the voice of doubt grow, emphasizing her fatigue. With the encouragement from her team, she was able to push through her mental barrier and qualify for the national challenge.
"I knew I couldn't give up," she said, almost at a loss for words. "The team worked hard, and I knew that I could do it."
Not only does the challenge give the team bragging rights, but it translates into real-world scenarios that can help the firefighters potentially save a life.
With 17 years of experience of as firefighter, McQuaig knows all too well that training is an important aspect of a firefighter's life. The team has pushed themselves to the limit to use the skills they've learned in real life.
"It's great to know that this training can help us save lives," he said. "There are times we use the skills that we've practiced for the challenge."
The 2012 World Firefighter Combat Challenge is scheduled to be held at Myrtle Beach, S.C., Nov. 12-17. The time before the almost week-long challenge will allow the team to focus on their weaknesses and come to the world challenge stronger than ever.
"It's a dream to have the opportunity to have the chance to compete at the world level," said McQuaig. "Only 2 percent of the national firefighters compete in the challenge. It's an amazing feeling a member of the elite out of the 2 percent, representing the Air Force."
| Date Taken: | 09.10.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 09.11.2012 08:13 |
| Story ID: | 94494 |
| Location: | HAMPTON, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 124 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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