The Firefighter Combat Challenge is in Tinley Park this weekend at the Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477
The Challenge annually attracts hundreds of U.S. and Canadian municipal fire departments at more than 25 locations and is now expanding to countries around the world, including New Zealand, Germany, Argentina, Chile, and South Africa.
The Challenge seeks to encourage firefighter fitness and demonstrate the profession’s rigors to the public.
Karl Klotz visited the event on Saturday and submitted several images depicting the events.
- There was a Combat Challenge for kids:

During the youth challenge events, one competitor works to endure the work the miniature Keiser Force Machine. Karl Klotz photo

The final leg of the challenge involves rescuing a victim by dragging a dummy across the finish line. Karl Klotz photo

Using a hand line is another portion of the challenge. Karl Klotz photo
- The adult Combat Challenge:

Two competitors prepare to begin the challenge. Karl Klotz photo

The firefighters make their way up the tower carrying a hose load. Karl Klotz photo

One they reach the top, they have to haul additional hose to the top. Karl Klotz photo

A competitor uses a mallet to move the Keiser Force Machine. Karl Klotz photo

The challenge also requires competitors to drag a charged 1 3/4" hose line back towards the starting line and then open the nozzle to hit a target. Karl Klotz photo

A firefighter drags a dummy to simulate performing a rescue. Karl Klotz photo

Another competitor performs the rescue which is the final phase of the evoluton. Karl Klotz photo
- There was quite a bi of apparatus on display:

The Rescue Remembrance Project had the restored FDNY Rescue 4 on display at the challenge. Karl Klotz photo

The MABAS Division 24 Fire Investigation Unit was on display. Karl Klotz photo

Oak Forest 951 is the Division 24 Mobile Communications Van. Karl Klotz photo

One part of the Third District, Division 24 Haz Mat response is this box truck #9901. Karl Klotz photo

Division 24 Haz Mat 9902 is this X-Tinley Park Spartan/Darley engine. Karl Klotz photo

Another unit on display was this Cook County Mobile Emergency Operations Command Center. Karl Klotz photo

The MABAS Division 24 DECON unit was setup and on display as well. Karl Klotz photo
More photos can be viewed HERE.