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:
![COMBAT_CHALLANGE_050-KK Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL](http://chicagoareafire.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/COMBAT_CHALLANGE_050-KK.jpg)
During the youth challenge events, one competitor works to endure the work the miniature Keiser Force Machine. Karl Klotz photo
![COMBAT_CHALLANGE_042-KK Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL](http://chicagoareafire.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/COMBAT_CHALLANGE_042-KK.jpg)
The final leg of the challenge involves rescuing a victim by dragging a dummy across the finish line. Karl Klotz photo
![COMBAT_CHALLANGE_040B-KK Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL](http://chicagoareafire.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/COMBAT_CHALLANGE_040B-KK.jpg)
Using a hand line is another portion of the challenge. Karl Klotz photo
- The adult Combat Challenge:
![COMBAT CHALLANGE 110-KK Firefighter Combat Challenge in Tinley Park IL](http://chicagoareafire.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/COMBAT-CHALLANGE-110-KK.jpg)
Two competitors prepare to begin the challenge. Karl Klotz photo
![COMBAT CHALLANGE 091-KK Firefighter Combat Challenge in Tinley Park IL](http://chicagoareafire.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/COMBAT-CHALLANGE-091-KK.jpg)
The firefighters make their way up the tower carrying a hose load. Karl Klotz photo
![COMBAT CHALLANGE 096-KK Firefighter Combat Challenge in Tinley Park IL](http://chicagoareafire.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/COMBAT-CHALLANGE-096-KK.jpg)
One they reach the top, they have to haul additional hose to the top. Karl Klotz photo
![COMBAT CHALLANGE 029-KK Firefighter Combat Challenge in Tinley Park IL](http://chicagoareafire.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/COMBAT-CHALLANGE-029-KK.jpg)
A competitor uses a mallet to move the Keiser Force Machine. Karl Klotz photo
![COMBAT CHALLANGE 019-KK Firefighter Combat Challenge in Tinley Park IL](http://chicagoareafire.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/COMBAT-CHALLANGE-019-KK.jpg)
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
![COMBAT CHALLANGE 103-KK Firefighter Combat Challenge in Tinley Park IL](http://chicagoareafire.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/COMBAT-CHALLANGE-103-KK.jpg)
A firefighter drags a dummy to simulate performing a rescue. Karl Klotz photo
![COMBAT CHALLANGE 024-KK Firefighter Combat Challenge in Tinley Park IL](http://chicagoareafire.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/COMBAT-CHALLANGE-024-KK.jpg)
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:
![COMBAT_CHALLANGE_004-KK Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL](http://chicagoareafire.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/COMBAT_CHALLANGE_004-KK.jpg)
The Rescue Remembrance Project had the restored FDNY Rescue 4 on display at the challenge. Karl Klotz photo
![COMBAT_CHALLANGE_DIV_24_FIU-KK Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL Division 24 Fire Investigation Unit](http://chicagoareafire.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/COMBAT_CHALLANGE_DIV_24_FIU-KK.jpg)
The MABAS Division 24 Fire Investigation Unit was on display. Karl Klotz photo
![COMBAT_CHALLANGE_Oak_Forest_951_Division_24_Comm_Van-KK Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL Division 24 Command Van](http://chicagoareafire.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/COMBAT_CHALLANGE_Oak_Forest_951_Division_24_Comm_Van-KK.jpg)
Oak Forest 951 is the Division 24 Mobile Communications Van. Karl Klotz photo
![COMBAT_CHALLANGE_MABAS_Div_24_HM_9901-KK Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL MABAS 24 Haz Mat](http://chicagoareafire.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/COMBAT_CHALLANGE_MABAS_Div_24_HM_9901-KK.jpg)
One part of the Third District, Division 24 Haz Mat response is this box truck #9901. Karl Klotz photo
![COMBAT_CHALLANGE_MABAS_24_HM_9902-KK Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL Division 24 Haz Mat](http://chicagoareafire.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/COMBAT_CHALLANGE_MABAS_24_HM_9902-KK.jpg)
Division 24 Haz Mat 9902 is this X-Tinley Park Spartan/Darley engine. Karl Klotz photo
![COMBAT_CHALLANGE_Suburban_Cook_County_EOCC-KK Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL Cook County Emergency Operations Mobile Command Center](http://chicagoareafire.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/COMBAT_CHALLANGE_Suburban_Cook_County_EOCC-KK.jpg)
Another unit on display was this Cook County Mobile Emergency Operations Command Center. Karl Klotz photo
![COMBAT_CHALLANGE_MABAS_Div_24_DECON-KK Firefighter Combat Challenge Tinley Park IL MABAS Division 24 DECON Unit](http://chicagoareafire.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/COMBAT_CHALLANGE_MABAS_Div_24_DECON-KK.jpg)
The MABAS Division 24 DECON unit was setup and on display as well. Karl Klotz photo
More photos can be viewed HERE.