Fleming Fire Combat Team earns seventh place for combined team time at the World’s 3M Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge in Alabama
Peterborough ON – (November 7, 2019) – Fleming College Pre-Service Firefighter students Declan Fitzpatrick and Bowman Allen, along with coach Brad Johnston, earned seventh place in the world for combined team time at the 3M Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge in Alabama, October 21 to 26, 2019, televised by ESPN.
“This is a tremendous feat for our Fire Combat Team and I am extremely proud of the hard work, commitment and incredible sportsmanship each of these athletes demonstrated throughout the entire competition,” said Coach Shawna Coulter. “To place seventh in a field of over 500 competitors is incredible and beats any previous record we have ever achieved. Our team is now considered a major contender at the international level, and we couldn’t be more proud.”
The 3M Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge is a competition based on firefighting tasks commonly performed in emergency situations. The challenge attracts hundreds of U.S. and Canadian municipal fire departments, and has expanded to countries around the world. The challenge encourages firefighter fitness as competitors race head-to-head in real-life firefighting tasks. The tasks include climbing a tower, hoisting, chopping, dragging hoses and rescuing a dummy weighing 175 lbs., all while wearing firefighting gear.
In addition to the team’s success, Coach Johnston earned the over 45 World Champion title for the second year in a row. Coach Coulter also represented at Worlds and competed in both the individual division and women’s relay.
Allen and Fitzpatrick achieved qualifying times that allow them to be inducted into the Starfield Lion’s Den, an elite classification given to the fastest racers in the world. To be inducted into the Lion’s Den, athletes must achieve a time of less than 1:40. Both Allen and Fitzpatrick will be officially recognized at next year’s Lion’s Den ceremony, and will be presented with a plaque, official jacket and certificate.
Fitzpatrick also placed 24th overall in the world, out of over 500 competitors. Fitzpatrick now holds a new Fleming record for both Canada, and the Worlds. He will be returning next year as a coach.
“To be inducted into the Lion’s Den in their rookie year is incredible. This is a distinction that individuals seeks for many years and only a small number ever achieve,” continued Coulter. “We are very proud of both Allen and Fitzpatrick, as well as Coach Johnston for representing themselves and Fleming College on the world stage.”
Follow Fleming’s FireFit team on Instagram @flemingfirecombatteam and on Facebook at Fleming Fire Combat Team.
{Photo by Amanda Chalk} Allen and Fitzpatrick carrying the flag of Ontario at the Opening Ceremonies of the finals.
About Fleming College
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi
Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central
Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg
and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford
Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and
Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts
and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled
Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800
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Media, for more information please contact:
Sara O’Halloran
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sara.ohalloran@flemingcollege.ca
705.749.5530 x 1366