Posted 12:53 am Sunday, September 09, 2012
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Public gets chance to participate in firefighter challenge
By Jacque Hilburn-Simmons
jsimmons@tylerpaper.com
Brookshire’s Firefighter Combat Challenge returns next month to Tyler, but this time the public can participate in a separate event, and two arch Fit City fitness rivals are among the competitors.
jsimmons@tylerpaper.com
Brookshire’s Firefighter Combat Challenge returns next month to Tyler, but this time the public can participate in a separate event, and two arch Fit City fitness rivals are among the competitors.
The Firefighter Combat Challenge is a fitness competition that simulates obstacles that could arise on a fire scene, from hauling up fire hose to dragging a dummy to safety.
“It is harder than it looks,” event organizer Terry Hawkins, Tyler Fire Department, said. “It takes quite a bit of time and effort to train. People usually start training several months out.”
The Combat Challenge has its roots in a university-based research study funded by the U.S. Fire Administration.
Tyler firefighters have been competing for several years and have taken dozens of awards for the efforts.
This special return event is set for Oct. 12 and 13 with all activities unfolding in the south parking lot at Broadway Square Mall, 4601 S. Broadway Ave.
But this go-around includes a little twist, Hawkins said.
“This year the public can come together with a five-man team and receive an opportunity to compete, just not in gear or an air pack,” he said. “They need a $200 entry fee.”
A portion of the proceeds benefit the Tyler Firefighters Cancer Awareness Relief Effort (CARE).
Two teams have already registered, one from the city of Tyler and the second from the Tyler Morning Telegraph.
The Combat Challenge has its roots in a university-based research study funded by the U.S. Fire Administration.
Tyler firefighters have been competing for several years and have taken dozens of awards for the efforts.
This special return event is set for Oct. 12 and 13 with all activities unfolding in the south parking lot at Broadway Square Mall, 4601 S. Broadway Ave.
But this go-around includes a little twist, Hawkins said.
“This year the public can come together with a five-man team and receive an opportunity to compete, just not in gear or an air pack,” he said. “They need a $200 entry fee.”
A portion of the proceeds benefit the Tyler Firefighters Cancer Awareness Relief Effort (CARE).
Two teams have already registered, one from the city of Tyler and the second from the Tyler Morning Telegraph.
Those teams are headed up by two familiar fitness contenders, City Manager Mark McDaniel and Publisher Nelson Clyde, who waged earlier public weight loss campaigns as part of the Fit City Challenge.
Fit City is a community effort to encourage healthy lifestyles and fitness.
“As part of the Fit City Challenge, Nelson and I have had a friendly rivalry going for the last few years,” the city manager said. “The first year I challenged him to show up for a morning walk for six weeks. He did so, which resulted in me shaving my head.”
The following year, the pair embarked on a second weight loss challenge, but no hair was lost in that competition as both men were successful in reaching their weight loss goals.
Outside observers are wondering what’s at stake in this next bout.
“Our team from the newspaper has gladly accepted the city manager’s challenge,” Clyde said. “We have assembled a very capable group to compete … we encourage others to do the same.”
The city’s team, including one alternate, is comprised of McDaniel, Police Lt. Rusty Jacks, Police Sgt. John Ragland, Recreation Specialist Heather Bolestridge, Equipment Operator Doug Coffman, Development Services Director Michael Wilson and arborist Luke Porter.
Fit City is a community effort to encourage healthy lifestyles and fitness.
“As part of the Fit City Challenge, Nelson and I have had a friendly rivalry going for the last few years,” the city manager said. “The first year I challenged him to show up for a morning walk for six weeks. He did so, which resulted in me shaving my head.”
The following year, the pair embarked on a second weight loss challenge, but no hair was lost in that competition as both men were successful in reaching their weight loss goals.
Outside observers are wondering what’s at stake in this next bout.
“Our team from the newspaper has gladly accepted the city manager’s challenge,” Clyde said. “We have assembled a very capable group to compete … we encourage others to do the same.”
The city’s team, including one alternate, is comprised of McDaniel, Police Lt. Rusty Jacks, Police Sgt. John Ragland, Recreation Specialist Heather Bolestridge, Equipment Operator Doug Coffman, Development Services Director Michael Wilson and arborist Luke Porter.
Clyde’s Tyler Morning Telegraph team also includes Managing Editor Brian Pearson, Publications Manager Shannon Dorsey, Staff Writer Kenneth Dean, Staff Writer Adam Russell, plus an alternate.
This event is free to the public thanks to the support of community sponsorships, Kim Morris, Tyler Convention and Visitors Bureau, said.
People interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact Brent Hail at bhail@tylertexas.com or call 903-721-2706.
To register a team, contact Jeremy Driver at 903-721-1503 or at jdriver@tylertexas.com.
This event is free to the public thanks to the support of community sponsorships, Kim Morris, Tyler Convention and Visitors Bureau, said.
People interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact Brent Hail at bhail@tylertexas.com or call 903-721-2706.
To register a team, contact Jeremy Driver at 903-721-1503 or at jdriver@tylertexas.com.
