Macon Bibb Firefighters Place in State Competition

Firefighters from the Macon- Bibb Fire Department competed in the Georgia State Firefighters Competition Events this past month in Savannah Georgia. This event was part of the Ga. Association of Firefighters/Georgia Fire Chief's Association Joint Conference that is held in August each year.The Macon-Bibb Team was comprised of seven team participants plus their team coach.The firefighters competition is based on practical firefighter skills such as Rapid dress, connecting and advancing fire hose lines, establishing a water supply, directing fire streams and overall teamwork to accomplish a given task.Firefighters usually compete in full turnout gear and must work against time and the watchful eyes of the judges as they attempt to complete an event. There are usually five separate events that test any number of skills required by the rules and regulations for each event.Trophies are awarded for the top three lowest times in each event, which may include penalties assessed by the judges for infractions of the rules or regulations.The top three places carry a point value as well and the team with the overall highest total points wins the "Overall Winners Trophy".In case of a points tie the recorded times are added up and the team with the lowest overall time for all events is declared the winner. The Macon-Bibb Firefighters which represented Fire Battalion Twenty One Shift One placed second in three events which were the "Bucket Brigade","Gated Wye Double Hoseline Advance" and "Team Rapid Dress". Firefighter Ellen Kicklighter won First Place in the"Individual Rapid Dress" becoming the first female firefighter ever to win this Georgia State Firefighters Joint Conference event.There were approximately ten teams that competed in this years competition from all around the State of Georgia.Once the overall points were added our Macon-Bibb team placed third in the State which is no small feat considering the number and skill level of teams that competed this year. We are very proud of our team which showcased the skill and commitment of these fine Firefighters, Josh Brewer,Ken Davis, Ben Dishmond, Garin Flanders, Ellen Kicklighter, Latorry Sidney, Michael Stone,and Coach Nat Hall. Special "Thanks" to Fire Chief Marvin Riggins,Macon-Bibb Firefighters,family members and friends that came to support our team at this years Conference.