VB Firemen's Challenge

08/10/2024

So it was extremely disappointing not putting on the firemen’s challenge this year. Since my family’s move to Converse and my year and a half away from the fire department, I have recently joined the department in converse. My wife Kristie was wondering what took me so long knowing I really missed being on a fire department. Converse seems like a well put together department with several younger guys. I haven’t introduced the Challenge as an event or even as a training exercise. There are different departments like Amboy, Pipe Creek, Swayzee is closer, Greentown is within 20 min. Maybe there would be a good turnout we will see. I would at least like to keep the page and devote it to training and my new department. Thanks for staying connected. As my favorite quote states, “Dont train until you get it right, train until you can’t get it wrong” stay safe

07/31/2023

So there's not going to be an event this year. At least at the Popcorn Festival. I'm still wanting to continue the event but it will change somewhat. My new job is keeping me extremely busy. Camp season is pretty much over and things will let up a bit. We'll see if I can do it sometime in October. If everyone can pass this information on to your favorite firemen, would be great. I'm still going to pursue departments from surrounding counties. Hopefully we'll see you all soon.

06/10/2023

I've been thinking about the future of the Firemens Challenge. I left the VanBuren fire dept. for personal reasons. That doesn't mean I can't keep this event going. I've asked them about the status of the equipment but haven't heard back from the dept. I've asked VBFD if I can just flat out have it. Nearly all of the materials were donated to build props for the event. I personally built or put together all of the props. Some items were loaned out. It's still early in the year for what I have planned. I've also been talking with a couple of depts NW of us. They just want to run through it as a training exercise. I have my doubts about VBFD continuing the event but you never know. I'll keep you posted.

03/08/2023

Hey everyone. I'm sure you're still replaying your favorite parts of the Challenge from last August. It was so cool to have Center Township come out. For their first time in the event, they were definitely on their game. They will definitely be contenders for the Axe the next time. It's a great event. I've been asked if I am putting on the event this year. Good question.....I started out saying that I was going to do it for 5 years then see how things are looking. This is year 5! I was going to say how exciting the event is, how much fun it is to run through it. The feeling of accomplishment when you finish. I'm not going to do all of that. I will say that I have been thinking of postponing it until 2024. Maybe even having it later in this year. Maybe October. I do like the idea of moving it to a different location. If I can get the same departments to come out to a "to be determined" venue, we just might do it. Ballard Field comes to mind. Behind the mall. A couple other places too. I know a great place in Converse that would be awesome. Give me some feedback.

08/28/2022

So I have this idea about helping new and second year teams. If I knew in advance that a department wanted to compete, I would like to go to their department a couple of times prior to the event. I think I could better explain the event and how it works. I could explain each station and the best way to get through it. I think that it would cut down on the confusion and frustration that I feel might be going on with those teams.
I currently get everyone together just before the event and walk through the course one station at a time. I try to explain it the best way I can so that everyone understands what’s expected. I’ll go through it as many times as it takes. I’ve even done it individually. My goal is for everyone to have a good time and want to return for the next one. There also has to be rules for this thing. If you only go to the third rung on the ladder is not quite as big of an issue as missing an entire tube that you were supposed to crawl through. So far there has not been any issues that we all couldn’t live with or create any bad feelings that I’m aware of. This year was a really good event and I’m hoping it can continue. 2023 will be different than before. The venue will definitely change as well as the time of year. We might even get in two events. I’m thinking before spring break and before or just after fall break. If things are to continue to grow , I’m going to have to travel and put departments on the spot. “Why don’t you come out?” and “what would it take for you to come out?” point blank. If a particular department is all negative. I’ll leave and not be heard from again until I send out my fliers. Lol. Feel free to give me suggestions or thoughts on the event. I thank everyone for your continued support for such a competition specific event. It’s not easy to get firemen to come out and do this stuff. The ones that do…..they really are THE BEST.

08/11/2022

Here’s the full length video of the team competition winners!! Parker Kelly, Klayton Kitts, Josh Stevens, The Old Man….strong work guys.

08/10/2022

More photos

08/10/2022

Here are some photos from Saturday. It seemed like everyone enjoyed the event. I heard from all the competitors that they will be back next year. I’ve already started thinking about some nice updates and possible additions. The door prop will be getting a serious and needed facelift. I have a great idea for first time teams and individual competitors. Someone suggested a 40 and over division. Not a bad idea if I can get a few more departments and individuals to show up. As I stated in an earlier post, I may be looking for a new venue. Feel free to leave comments and let me know what you think. Enjoy the pics……..

08/08/2022

08/08/2022

After all the late nights and early mornings. We made it!!! This year was probably the most enjoyable event to date. Everyone had a great time. Center Township was new to the competition and made an awesome first time team competition run. Duck Creek showed up with 4 and made an excellent team effort. 2 time defending champs Washington Township we’re as strong as ever taking home championship trophies in the individual and gear donning events. The team event was won by the home team Van Buren Township. There were some interesting mishaps but overall things went pretty well. The Chronicle Tribune came out to take pictures. Sponsors Texas Roadhouse, Kaylor Engineering, The Ark Christian Ministries and Hopebridge all had someone representing them at the event. Thanks to everyone who helped out and participated.

08/03/2022

We’re just about ready!!! Worked on the props this past weekend!! Still working on a couple of details. There are a couple of overdue “changes” this year. It’s not much really. It all adds to the authenticity of the equipment. Instead of dumbbells we have fire extinguishers and the weights on the sled will be replaced by rolls of fire hose. I’m getting some positive feedback about Saturday. It looks like we might be having a great event. The set up will be pretty much the same as last year. I was a little nervous about how the sunset might affect viewing but it seemed to work out pretty well for everyone. I found a last minute DJ. Things are looking up. Except the weather. We expect it to be hot…it’s august. But if you look ahead, it may even be in the 80 degree range. Rain is possible but we’re going, even in the rain. So pray for good weather and I’ll see you there!!!

08/02/2022

Ive had a couple of people say they aren’t going to be able to make it because they can’t get 4 guys to make a team. YOU DO NOT NEED A TEAM TO COMPETE!! Come out yourself or with another department member and do the individual course. We’ve even used the individual competitors who come out to form a team just so they can run it and see how that works. That’s right! 4 guys from 3 or 4difderent departments. It’s all about having fun and having an enjoyable experience. Hopefully you’ll tell others about it and return next year with those other members that didn’t come. See you on Saturday………