Travis' firefighter team warms up in Fremont

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew McGovern
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Team Travis' firefighter team began their quest to win a fourth-straight world championship, competing in the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge in Fremont, Calif. Aug. 4 and 5.  

"We missed first place in the team relay by one second. On our last event in Seattle, Wash., Senior Airman Joe Almony, a key member of the team, broke his hand so he had to sit this one out," said Mr. Dave Chiodo, Travis firefighter team member. 

Despite the injured team member, the team has received some new members and will be practicing to defend their three-time Firefighter Combat Challenge World Championship. 

"We have some new faces on the team and fresh talent this year. We train as a team twice a week, but when we get closer to the world's, practice will become more intense," said Mr. Chiodo. 

For the combat challenge world championship, competitors from fire houses around the world will meet and test their stamina and skills. 

"This is a big deal for firefighters - the world event was on ESPN for years. Every competitive firefighter knows about this competition," said Chiodo. 

During each of these competitions the firefighters perform five tasks. These included climbing a five-story tower, hoisting and chopping, dragging hoses and rescuing a life-sized, 175-pound victim -- while racing against themselves, their opponent and the clock. Plus, participants must wear their "full bunker gear," including an air-breathing apparatus. 

The course showcases skills firefighters use in real-life rescue situations. It also allows firefighters to become aware of their own conditioning level and ability.
Travis' team will be testing their ability once again in the World Firefighter Combat Challenge in November. 

"I'm confident in their ability and I'm very hopeful to see them win another world championship," said John Speakman, Travis' fire chief. 

"With their team leader, Tech. Sgt. Mike Melton's mentorship and coaching, they can do it," he said. 

The Travis team includes: Tech. Sgt. Mike Melton, Senior Airman Joseph Almony, Senior Airman Kenny Setty, Airman 1st Class Eric Munson, Mr. Aldrico Caragan and Mr. David Chiodo.