Worthy winners
The Mountain Fire Station took home the title at this year’s Firemen’s Games hosted in Beckwith. Pictured front from left, Chris Lee and Tony Wouters. Back from left, Nic Hubble, Jay Abramovitch, Jesse Boone, Ray Sherrer, Parker Havekes and Andrew Findlay.      Courtesy photo

BECKWITH – On Sat., June 16, Beckwith Fire Department hosted the 106th running of the Firemen’s Games. Each year, a different fire station hosts this annual event.

Three of the four North Dundas Fire Stations competed this year and Mountain Fire Station came away with a placing of first overall out of 11 teams, with great performances coming from Morewood and Winchester Fire Stations as well.

Over the course of the full day of competition, teams compete in 11 different events, testing not only speed but agility and strength as well.

Mountain’s placing in the events are as follows: 1st – eight man hose coupling, 2nd – three man ladder, 1st – four man hose coupling, 1st – fire bunker replay, 3rd – five man bunker gear ladder climb, 3rd – five man hose lay (wet), 5th – four man insert (wet), 3rd – five man efficiency (wet), 5th – eight man efficiency (wet).

Mountain did not place in the bucket brigade and the Chiefs’ Race as all chiefs in that race teamed up to help the eldest chief get all his gear on so he could finish first. A wonderful display of compassion and sportsmanship.

The competition is followed by a parade in which all firefighters that placed in the games are expected to march in and also to be in their No. 1 dress uniform. For the parade, the three North Dundas fire stations marched together, which is also judged. The North Dundas Fire Fighters were given the trophy for the “Best march without a band.”

All in all, a fantastic day of competition and camaraderie, not only between the three North Dundas fire stations, but with the other local volunteer fire fighters as well.

Next year, Mountain Fire Station will be hosting the games, which will be held in front of the fire hall in South Mountain on Sat., June 15. Everyone is encouraged to come out and cheer on their local fire fighters and help Station 2 (Mountain) defend their 2018 First Place Finish.