Firefighter Combat Challenge
Name Withheld
Challenge Competitor
The Kansas City (MO) Fire Department`s union Local 42 and surrounding union fire departments have put a black mark on the name firefighter and on Kansas City itself. The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) held its conference in Kansas City for the first time, and it is scheduled to be held here every three years. One of the largest fire conventions in the world, it brings tourism and money to the city. Because of the actions of the above-mentioned fire departments, Kansas City is in jeopardy of losing the convention and the Firefighter Combat Challenge.
The Challenge was created as a spirited friendly competition to highlight the level of fitness required to perform the basic tasks of firefighting, to demonstrate to the outside world the nature of the job, and to showcase the kind of people who place themselves in harm`s way to protect lives and property.
The union firefighters look at it in a different light. They are afraid that the Challenge will be used against them as a tool for promotions and annual physical testing. With this in mind, the union firefighters set out on what the local news media made out to be a friendly protest to stop the Challenge. As an eyewitness to the protest, I can verify that the gathering was anything but friendly. I saw the human blockade that protesters had set up in front of the entrances to Kemper Arena. It is a tragedy that a protester was struck by a vehicle, but I don`t know what the protesters expected when they would not move out of the way. People who attempted to drive through the blockade had their cars pelted with soft drink cans and bashed with protest signs. A chief from Colorado was even punched in the mouth.
It was obvious that Louie Wright, Local 42 president, had done no research on the Challenge in commenting in the local newspaper the next day, “Women wouldn`t be able to pass the test, even the most physically fit women.” Apparently Wright does not know that there is a category for women. They perform the same test as the men and within a very respectable period of time (three minutes, 19 seconds–the men do it in around two minutes). The Challenge is designed so that anything under seven minutes is acceptable, for men or women.
The article quotes the union as saying, “The Challenge has caused permanent physical injuries and death to some participants.” Three firefighters did die doing an agility test similar to the Challenge. What is worse is the number of firefighters who die in the line of duty from heart attacks. Around 60 percent of all firefighter fatalities are from heart attacks, making it the number one killer of firefighters in the world. It is a proven medical fact that the best way to prevent heart attacks is through diet and exercise. It seems logical therefore that the training required for the Challenge would benefit those who want to participate.
People must ask, “Do I want firefighters to show up at my house in my time of need unable to rescue me because they are out of shape and cannot perform the required tasks?” The answer is a resounding No! Firefighting is a very strenuous, demanding profession, and it is every firefighter`s responsibility to maintain a superior level of physical fitness. It is part of the job and can mean the difference between life and death. A firefighter who does not have the appropriate level of fitness necessary for the Challenge or a similar agility test has no business being a firefighter, regardless of age or sex.
Protesting firefighters are indeed entitled to express their opinions, but the violent manner in which they behaved is not a right; it is an embarrassment. Their thoughtless conduct has damaged the image and the so-called brotherhood of America`s Bravest.
