Summerville Journal Scene
Five Summerville firefighters found themselves in a particularly challenging situation last month.
Wearing full bunker gear and using a breathing apparatus to get oxygen, they had to climb up a five-story metal scaffold tower and hoist a hose up the tower using a hand-over-hand pulling technique. Then, they had to use a mallet to “chop” at and move a 160-pound steel beam five feet away, drag a live water hose 75 feet and spray it at a target and drag a life-sized 175-pound dummy.
They had to do this all in under two minutes, and against other firefighting teams around the country. Any slip-ups or safety hazards added seconds to the firefighters’ time.
This is the fourth year Summerville firefighters have entered the On Target Firefighter Combat Challenge, a match-up between firefighting teams around the country that promotes teamwork, physical fitness and camaraderie.
The Summerville team made a strong showing at this year’s challenges, winning second place in the state competition (Horry County won first), winning fourth place in the regional competition in Asheville, N.C. and ninth place at the national competition in Atlanta, according to Summerville Battalion Chief Rodney Profit, a member of the relay team.
The Summerville team qualified for the world competition in Las Vegas and placed 33rd of 64 teams at the competition held in mid-November. They finished the entire course with a time of 1:24.
The other members of the team are volunteer captain Kenny Scott, firefighter Matthew Smart, engineer Brent Melcher and captain Billy Penn.
“This competition brings all the ranks together,” Profit said.
Since the team finished under the world competition in under a minute-and-a-half, they will get certificates of achievement, Profit said. The first place winners in the world competition hailed from Clayton County, Ga.
What started out as a physical ability test has grown into a wildly popular event that pits relay teams against one another to simulate real life situations in the profession.
“We love doing this type of stuff, it’s a lot of fun,” Profit said.
In addition to individual department teams, there is also a women’s open challenge and an over 40 division, Profit said.
The season starts in April and lasts until November. The team practices during the season using the department’s training facilities.
“It takes a lot of off-duty time,” Profit said.
He said that while winning is nice, the main purpose of the challenge is to promote safety and physical fitness within the department.
After being on the team for four years, Profit noticed some changes in his lifestyle.
“You notice you eat better, you don’t get as winded,” he said. “Not a day goes by that you don’t want to get a workout.”
Profit said Summerville Fire Captain Kevin Miller is responsible for getting the Summerville fire department to enter into the challenge.
“He was persistent; he never let it die on the vine,” Profit said. “Four years later, here we are.”
Profit said other people who helped the team succeed this year are Chief Marc Melfi and Chief Allston, Wayne Waters of Mr. Sign; George Wells of Orangeburg Honda; Kelly Knight-Byrd at Knight Law Firm, Dr. Robert J. Allen and all the members of the Summerville Fire Department.
A photo display of the firefighters competing in the firefighter challenges can be seen at the fire station at 300 W. 2nd North St.
Contact Jenny Peterson at 873-9424 ext. 216 or JPeterson@journalscene.com.
Journalscene.com is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Journalscene.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not journalscene.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.
I want to say that was a job well done by the Summerville Firefighters. I personally know how hard you guys trained for this event. Keep up the great work guys, and be safe!
Posted by: F. Thompson
- Most Viewed
- Most Commented
- Untimely death: Infant died from hot car
- Danger: Your car can be a death trap
- Red, White & Blue on the Green a family-friendly affair
- Sheriff honors woman who scared off intruder
- Plane with 153 crashes off Comoros, child rescued
- China scraps filtering software mandate _ for now
- Jackson's parents waste no time seeking control
- Flag retirement ceremonies honor the dignity of Old Glory
- SC gov 'crossed lines' with women
- At least 6 SC newspapers say Sanford should resign
- Police pay (32)
- Rep. Young Leader in Reform Efforts (25)
- Impact fee resolution draws support, criticism (15)
- Planned Parenthood protest (15)
- Rep. Young a powerful voice for Dorchester County (13)
- Forgive (11)
- Plan growth as a team (11)
- Wandering SC gov will find tough trail at home (9)
- Wandering SC gov will find tough trail at home (9)
- Wandering SC gov will find tough trail at home (9)
- Americans not explicit when defining what sex is
- 10 Republican SC senators call for gov's ouster
- SC gov gambles to 'lay it all out' about affair
- At least 6 SC newspapers say Sanford should resign
- SC gov 'crossed lines' with women
- Source: NKorean ship now going the other way.
- Plane with 153 crashes off Comoros, child rescued
- 4 US soldiers killed during Iraq cities pullout