In the first event of the year, Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) hosted a Firefighter Combat Challenge regional event in Westfield on April 23, where the City’s team took second place.
The Westfield team is made up of five firefighters from Hamilton County. Matt Hansen, Justin Anderson and Kyle Ericksen represented Westfield Fire Department. Trevor Hash represented Noblesville Fire Department and Paul Ashby represented Fishers Fire Department.
During the event, the team had two individuals place in the top 10, and finished with a total team time of 5:17, earning them second place overall.
Created to promote fitness and safety in fire service, the Combat Challenges are obstacle courses consisting of events that simulate tasks a firefighter may see, including climbing stairs and dragging a simulated victim, all while in full turnout gear and on air.
In addition to placing second, Westfield Fire was officially recognized with the designation of “State Champions,” a title given to the team with the fastest team time in state history. The team set the new record with a time of 4:47:75 at last year’s World Championship event held in Phoenix, Ariz.
The next Combat Challenge event is scheduled for Aug. 21 in Louisville, Ky.
