Thompson may be home to one of the best firefighters in the world.

 

Darrick Graff, who’s been with Thompson Fire and Emergency Services since 2011, recently competed in the World Firefighter Combat Challenge.

 

He placed 25^th out of close to 600 firefighters who competed.

 

Darrick Graff at the World Firefighter Combat Challenge. (Photo courtesy of Darrick Graff)

 

He tells us about the competition:

"Basically it’s an obstacle course based on job related tasks that we perform. So we wear our full turnout gear with breathing apparatus, and we carry a 45 lb hose pack up 6 stories, then there’s a hand over hand rope hoist- that’s another 45 lb that you hoist up. And then you come down the tower and there’s a forcible entry block that you have to swing a sledge hammer at".

 

The obstacle course ends with competitors carrying a 185 lb “rescue randy” victim. Graff says he finished the obstacle course in 1 minute and 27 seconds.

 

Graff ranked 12th out of Canadian firefighters who competed, and 1st out of Manitoban firefighters.

 

The competition was in Montgomery, Alabama, and had firefighters from all over the world, including Australia, and countries from Europe.

 

Darrick Graff at the World Firefighter Combat Challenge. (Photo courtesy of Darrick Graff)