Annual Pumper Races

Klein Fire Department held its Annual Pumper Race on September 22, 2007 with this year’s motto being “Neighbors Helping Neighbors Since 1951”. The Annual Iron Man Competition drew twenty members from the department that competed and put their skills to the test. The Iron Man Competition is an individual timed event that challenges each competitor to an obstacle course utilizing their fire fighting skills and determination. The 2007 competition started off with a twist, participants had to sink a basketball in the goal to move forward in the event. Each had two chances and those that made the first attempt had the advantage. The next challenges for each participant included pulling a 100 lb weighted box, dragging 200’ of 2 ½ fire hose, crawling across an attic simulator, driving a 10" nail into a post , relocating four 20" tires and ended with a 60’ drag of the 145 lb Rescue Rich. AJ Schunkwiler was awarded the Iron Man T-Shirt as the winner of the 2007 competition. Robert Mitchell completed second place and Michael Manning complete third place. Each competitor in the Iron Man competition was presented with a T-Shirt imprinted with “I survived Iron Man 2007”. Congratulations to all that participated.
Team events were held next and each of the seven Klein stations had a chance to compete in six events, which included the shoot the chief, blindfold shoot, shoot out, fast attack, patient package and a bucket brigade. We got some good photos at this part of the day. All of the events focus on safety, teamwork, having fun and even getting a little wet. Events are timed and points were awarded at the end of the day. Run off events are held for tied events when needed. Several of our station had to leave during the event due to a fire call and the other station pitched in to help them during the events while they were away.
The weather was great in the morning – and did not get to hot during the afternoon. Lunch was provided during a break between events and allowed members to take a break and rest up for the afternoon team events. Thanks Linda for setting up the lunch.
The results of the event are not provided to the stations during the pumper races. The results and awards were presented to the department during the Departments General Business Meeting on October 11, 2007. Awards are given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each event. Station 35 had the most points overall and was presented with the Chiefs award. 2nd and 3rd place overall winners were presented with a plaque.
This event allows our members, their families and friends to take a break and have some good clean fun!! We had a great turn out of all ages to watch the events. Members get to have some fun, team work and good clean competition between each other. Several of the new Klein members “Recruits” did get dunked at the end of the day in the portable tank of water along with one of the timers. “Welcome To The Fire Department”
Special thanks to The Fellowship of Champions Church and Kids R Kids for allowing us to you their parking lots to hold the events. A “Thank You” goes out to all that work hard to plan the event and insured it went off without a hitch. We all look forward to the 2008 event