Recently the Linn State Technical College Activity Center Boot Camp and the Linn Fire Protection District began, what hopes to be an annual event. The FD vs. BC Challenge was created to test the people enrolled in the Boot Camp physical conditioning course. Once the course is completed a challenge is held between the Boot Camp and the firefighters. The Challenge participants wear long pants, tennis shoes, helmet, gloves, and SCBA (not on air).

Congrats to Boot Camp participant Billy Voss, as he took the overall individual title with a time of 5:38. Caleb Douglas of the Fire District was a close second at 5:50. The Challenge was held on April 27th at Linn Fire Firehouse #2 in Bonnots Mill.

The Challenge has a variety of physically and mentally demanding obstacles consisting of:

1. Stair Climb and Hose Raise

• Ascend steps and raise 50 foot section of rolled 1" 1/2" hose
• Descend steps and both feet touch ground
• Ascend steps and raise 50 foot section of rolled 2" 1/2" hose
• Descend steps and both feet touch ground
• Ascend steps and raise 50 foot section of rolled 3" hose

2. Equipment Carry

• Carry 50 foot section of 5" supply hose a distance of 75 feet

3. Breech and Pull

• Five sequences of breech and pull
• One sequence is five up and five down using the breech and pull prop

4. Hose Line Advance

• Advance a charged 1" 1/2" hose a distance of 75 feet

5. Sledge Hammer Strike

• Strike a railroad tie a total of 50 times using a 10 pound sledge hammer

6. Rescue Dummy Drag

• Drag the 180 pound rescue dummy a distance of 35 feet, around a barrel and return to the start position for a total of 70 feet

7. Ball/Cone Coordination

• Gather numbered golf balls, baseballs or softballs and place them on the corresponding traffic cones

8. Equipment Carry

• Carry 50 foot section of 5" supply hose a distance of 75 feet (from Station 2 back to the starting position)

Each station has a point value assigned. Upon completing the course the points are added up. The course is also timed and upon completion a time bonus, with points, is awarded.