2006-2007

News Release

REF NO.: 228

SUBJECT:

DATE: July 20, 2007

Some of the fittest, fastest and strongest firefighters will converge on the Marine Institute’s Safety and Emergency Response Training (SERT) Centre in Stephenville on July 21 for the 2007 Canadian Firefit Regional Championship. The competition is based on firefighting tasks commonly performed in emergency situations and caters to many competitors from seasoned veterans to first-time rookies. The event will serve as a regional qualifying event for the national championship later this year. 
Firefit has specialized in presenting this flag ship event since 1994. The competition is recognized by fire departments not only in Canada but worldwide and this year the SERT Centre, located in Stephenville, NL, will get the opportunity to showcase their modern facilities and equipment.
“This is actually the third year the competition has been held at the SERT Centre,” said Craig Harnum, SERT Centre Manager. “The guys at Firefit were so impressed after the first event we hosted that they asked us to sign a five year contract to host.”
The competition is centered on the five major tasks in firefighting; the stair climb; hose hoist; running; forcible entry and victim rescue.  
The first event, the team relay, challenges teams comprised of three to five individuals to complete one or more of the five tasks. The next event is the individual relay. As an individual competitor, the participant must complete all five stages that make up the Firefit Race. 
 “This competition is very demanding. It is the Olympics of firefighting,” Mr. Harnum said. “It is a true test of ability, skill and endurance.”
The event will kick off on Friday night with a corporate relay race. For a minimum donation of $20, businesses can participate in the relay and run the course for fun. All monies collected will be donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Society. 
The event is expected to draw between 65 and 70 participants from across eastern Canada. 
The SERT Centre operates as a satellite campus of the Marine Institute’s Offshore Safety and Survival Centre in cooperation with the Stephenville Airport Corporation.
            For more information on the competition go to www.firefit.com.

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