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continued from p.15 "During his Wednesday run, he broke the record he set Tuesday, and on his final run Thursday, he broke the record again," said Durdin. This record-breaking time means the Oakville Fire Department now employs the fastest firefighter in the world. Oakville also got first place in the tandem competition with Shaun Henderson and Van Reenen completing that event with a time of 1:09. Darren Vanzandbergen placed second in the individual over 40 competition with a time of 1:29, Henderson placed fifth in the individual competition (1:19) and Andy Waldron placed eighth in the individual over 50 competition (2:08). Durdin said every team member ran personal bests during the championships. He emphasized the competition is not just about bragging rights, noting preparing for and participating in these events builds endurance that will help Oakville's firefighters do their jobs better. The obstacle course simulates many of the physical challenges a firefighter will have to overcome during their day-to-day work. Clad in full firefighter gear, including a breathing apparatus, and carrying a 50-pound packed up hose, the participant must first race up a five-storey tower. Once at the top of the tower, the participant Tops in annual Firefit Challenge OAKVILLE drops the hose they are carrying and then hoists up a second hose from the ground below. When this is complete, the participant must race down the tower and complete the force machine process of the obstacle course. This essentially involves hitting a 160-pound block with an eight-pound sledgehammer until the block has been driven a certain distance. With the force machine complete, the participant then runs to a water-filled hose, which is dragged for eight feet before being used to extinguish a target. The participant then grabs a 185-pound rescue mannequin, which needs to be dragged about 100 feet backward. "It literally helps them not only be in peak physical condition, but excel at what they do," said Durdin. Henderson attributed the team's success to assembling the right people and years of training, but also the fire department's recent acquisition of a training tower, which was purchased with help from community sponsors. "For the newer competitors, that has really fast-tracked their experience," said Henderson. "We've got guys out there every day training. The equipment we have been provided by the town is just second to none. I'd say that's a huge factor as well." 17 | Friday, November 18, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com ® with the optimum in vehicle rust control and much more! Complete Cars from $ your t c e t Pro vestment! In 25 Years in Oakville 119.95 new cars, used cars, rusty cars... we do it all call open Saturdays 905.827.7878 For coupons and specials visit... 1490 Unit # 5 SpeerS road, oakville Now Open! In Downtown Oakville Christmas Sale Joey for Men... Joey DioDati forMally froM Johnathan Quinn is back to serve you! 221 Lakeshore Road East, Downtown Oakville · 905-582-2393 20Off % All Windshield door & BAck GlAss in stock GOT HEAT? APPLEBY SYSTEMS FIREPLACE, HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTORS Certified Auto Glass Technicians with 22 Years Of Experience. % · We deal directly 100 o t with your Insurance up y a p Company We o Wallace rd www.krown.com s f in ura d nce ed i uct ble · Lifetime Warranty against leaks · Stone chip repairs OAKVILLE 905.825.1893 BURLINGTON 905.335.3203 · Free Mobile Service · Free Pickup & Drop Off 2086 SpeerS rd., Oakville Come See Our SHOWROOM Mon - Fri. 8am ­ 5pm; Saturday 11am ­ 4pm Tel: 905.339.0339 281 Speers Rd. Oakville ON L6K 2E9 www.applebysystems.ca www.speersautoglass.ca Mention this ad and receive 20% OFF!