August 23, 2009: The Professional Fire Fighters of Derry, Local 4392, sent two relay teams to the recent Fire Fighters Combat Challenge in Haverhill Ma. This event is promoted as, “the toughest two minutes in sports”.

 

The Combat Challenge is a continuous series of different events, simulating the practical skills of firefighting. The challenge begins by climbing 5 flights of stairs with a bundle of 3”hose, weighing 42lbs. Once you get to the top, drop the bundle into a bin and begin hoisting a roll of 4” hose, approx 45lbs, to the 5th floor. Then get down the stairs as quick as you can, touching every stair on the way down. Then grab the 9lbs sledge hammer and hit a 160lbs weight a distance of 5’. Upon completion, begin running 140’ slalom course to grab a hose line and stretch it a distance of 75’ to spray water, hitting a target. Not done yet!! Now grab the 185lbs mannequin and drag him 100’ to complete the course.

 

Any team completing the course in less than 2 minutes qualifies for World Challenge in Las Vegas, NV. This year both Derry teams qualified under the 2 minute mark at time of 1:52.98 and 1:59.91. The dates for the World Challenge are scheduled from 16-20 November 2009. Both teams are currently fundraising to attend the Las Vegas competition.

 

The current NH State Relay Record is 2:06.41, set by the Professional Fire Fighter of Derry, Local 4392, in Lowell Ma, 2007. The teams are anxiously awaiting the World Challenge and hope to bring home more record setting times.