Whiteman firefighters victorious at combat challenge

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Dilia Ayala
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Team Whiteman firefighters garnered various team and individual awards at the culmination of the five-day 2009 Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge in Las Vegas Nov. 20.

Thousands of firefighters from more than 600 fire departments, across the world and country, competed in an array of events.

When all was said and done, Team Whiteman ranked first among Air Force teams in team-individual competition and 16th in the world. The team ranked number one among Air Force teams and fourth in the world in the coed tandem competition.

Although not overly satisfied with their accomplishments, the team is looking forward to improving their times in next year's competition.

"I think we worked great as a team," said Chris Finkes, Team Whiteman firefighter challenge competitor. "We will continue to train and will come back stronger and faster next year to show what Team Whiteman can do."

Airman 1st Class Daniel Baumgartner, also a Team Whiteman firefighter challenge competitor, shared in his sentiment.

"I had mixed feelings about it," Airman Baumgartner said. "However, it was an accomplishment as a team to make it to worlds, but we will work to do better."

Firefighters competed in events comprised of climbing a five-story tower, hoisting and chopping, dragging hoses and rescuing a life-sized 175-pound "victim."

New to the firefighter challenge, Airman Baumgartner was pleased with his ranking in the individual's competition.

"I placed 98th in the world," he said. "As a first-year competitor, I didn't do too badly, but I'm going to work harder for next year and continue to improve."

For a complete listing of the team's results, visit http://www.firefighterchallenge.com.

The team attributes their success to the support they received from their Fire Chief, Jerry Blaisdell and Commander, Lt. Col. Steven Moore, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron.

"We want to thank Chief Blaisdell and Colonel Moore for everything they did to help us along the way," said Mr. Finkes. "We truly appreciate their continued support."

Their leadership could not be happier with their accomplishments.

"I'm extremely proud of our team and the effort they put forward this year," Chief Blaisdell said. "Their accomplishments in setting Missouri State records, overall second place team and first place Department of Defense in the U.S. National Finals, and then to be recognized as the overall number one Air Force and fourth place coed teams at the world finals, are truly great achievements.

"However, if you ask them, they will tell you they fell short of their goal," he added. "You see, although these accomplishments sound great, each one of them has an intense competitive spirit and burning desire -- no pun intended -- to be number one in the world."