Billings Firefighter Competition Team is Fired Up for Oklahoma

Our Townsquare Media offices are on the 23rd floor of the DoubleTree hotel. The top floor. The downtown, 360-degree view of Billings is unmatched, from one of the tallest buildings in Montana. Working in a bustling hotel also allows us to meet interesting people in the elevators and stairwells. Including Billings firemen and women.

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Typically, they're simply on-site to inspect fire extinguishers or respond to a hotel call, but sometimes I'll bump into them in the stairwell, drenched with sweat and carrying a bunch of heavy-looking gear.

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Curious, one time I asked them what "What are you guys up to today?" and they explained that they were training. It turns out that racing up and down 23 flights of stairs is quite the workout.

Hard work and dedication have paid off for the firefighter athletes.

I can only imagine what it's like with an air tank on your back, in heavy protective fire gear and boots, and who knows what else. I would pass out or have a heart attack by the 4th floor, at best.

Training regimens such as this have paid off for several Billings Fire Department Firefighters, who will take the spotlight at an upcoming national firefighters competition, where they showcase their skills in a variety of timed events.

The BFD said on their social media page,

BFD is proud to announce the upcoming fundraiser supporting our brave Billings Fire Fighters competing at the National Combat Challenge League from September 24th-27th in Oklahoma City. Stay tuned for details on how you can help us honor and assist these heroes who risk their lives every day to keep our community safe!

Supporters of the firemen headed to Nationals this fall have created a GoFundMe. Feel free to chip in a few bucks if you'd like to help support them as they represent Montana at this big event. Funds will help cover travel expenses and associated costs for the team of four representing the Billings Fire Department.