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Archive for September 25th, 2011

Firefighter Combat Challenge in Tinley Park

Sep 25

Posted by bgshap in Fire Service News | 1 Comment

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:

Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL

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:

Firefighter Combat Challenge in Tinley Park IL

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

Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL Division 24 Fire Investigation Unit

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

Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL Division 24 Command Van

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

Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL MABAS 24 Haz Mat

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

Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL Division 24 Haz Mat

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

Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL Cook County Emergency Operations Mobile Command Center

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

Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL MABAS Division 24 DECON Unit

The MABAS Division 24 DECON unit was setup and on display as well. Karl Klotz photo

More photos can be viewed HERE.

Tags: Cook County Mobile Emergency Operations Command Center, Division 24 Command Van, Division 24 Third District Haz Mat Unit, FDNY X-Rescue 4, Firefighter Combat Challenge, Karl Klotz, MABAS Division 24, MABAS Division 24 Decon Unit, MABAS Division 24 Fire Investigation Unit, MABAS Division 24 Haz Mat Unit, Oak Forest Mobile Command Van, Remembrance Rescue Project

Buffalo Grove Fire Department Open House

Sep 25

Posted by bgshap in Fire Department News, Fire Service News | Comments off

The Buffalo Grove Fire Department held their open house on Saturday. Although the event was well attended, the weather played a role in keeping some families away in addition to grounding the Flight For Life helicopter which was unable to visit. Those that did attend had plenty to keep them busy and well fed.

Larry Shapiro attended the event and submitted several images depicting the junior combat challenge, static displays, vehicle extrication demos, a puppet show, hands-on use of a fire extinghuisher, Pink Heals Tour fire engine, below grade tripod rescue scenario, and multiple photo ops for the kids.

Buffalo Grove Fire Department 2011 Open House

A large crowd gathered to watch a demonstration of vehicle extrication. Larry Shapiro photo

A young girl learns about the the emergency medical services. Larry Shapiro photo

The radio controlled Dalmatian is always a hit with young children. Larry Shapiro photo

Children were fascinated with the hands-on fire extinguisher demonstration. Larry Shapiro photo

What would a fire department open house be without hot dogs? Larry Shapiro photo

Families were entertained by a puppet show about fire safety. Larry Shapiro photo

Part of the junior combat challenge involved crawling through a tunnel section. Larry Shapiro photo

Children enjoyed creating their own designs which were then pressed into buttons. Larry Shapiro photo

Firefighters helped youngsters use a fire hose to hit targets representing fire. Larry Shapiro photo

Buffalo Grove Chief Vavra congratulates two future firefighters after completing a leg of the combat challenge. Larry Shapiro photo

The portable brass fire pole was the first stop in the combat challenge. Larry Shapiro photo

This strong guy pulled a simulated victim on a SKED into the air with a rope and pulley. Larry Shapiro photo

Buffalo Grove Fire Department 2011 open house Pink Heals Tour Northern Illinois chapter

Buffalo Grove Firefighter Steve Rusin brought his American LaFrance Century Series X-South Elgin, X-Lakewood engine representing the Northern Illinois Chapter of the Pink Heals Tour. Larry Shapiro photo