Westfield Firefighters Take Fourth at Nationals

Westfield firefighters at this year’s Indianapolis Combat Challenge.

WESTFIELD, Ind.–Westfield Firefighters take coveted fourth place at this year’s U.S. Nationals.  The team–who’s been competing for four years–had a break through this year and are preparing for the World Championship in 2014.

The team’s discipline is amazing–training 10-15 hours every week and sometimes hitting the pavement 3 times a day.  Their presence at the firehouse is unmistakable while also motivating for others to stay in shape.

It all began in 2010 when two firefighters–Adam Renshaw and Kyle Ericksen–began working out in their firefighter gear.  A few weeks later Matt Hansen and Justin Anderson joined the group and started these grueling drills too.  Before long they had set their sights on the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge.

The team trained for months and entered their first competition finishing the course in a combined 7 minutes and 21 seconds.  They were hooked.  Still not satisfied, the team began training harder and added a few members along the way.

In 2011, they qualified for the World Championship’s with a time of 6 minutes and 29 seconds, but opted to wait until 2012 to compete.  They moved into the 2012 season with a renewed vigor.  Placing on the podium in the majority of their races, they even competed at the World Championship with a time of 5 minutes and 51 seconds.

To keep the momentum going, the team added a professional trainer in 2013.  Their highly focused workouts proved successful during U.S. Nationals where they had a team best of 5 minutes and 16 seconds.  And, they don’t plan on stopping anytime soon with a focus on winning the World Championship’s next year.

The Westfield Firefighter Combat Challenge team members include Dayne Cook, Jeremy Devitt, Justin Anderson, Matt Hansen, and Trevor Hash.  They are sponsored by St. Vincent Hospital, IMMI, The City of Westfield, and Church Brothers.

Westfield Firefighters Present $5,600 Check to MDA

This evening, Westfield firefighters presented a $5,655 check to the Steadman family on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The money was raised over labor day weekend during their annual fill-the-boot campaign. Firefighters took to streets with their fire boots. With boots in hand, they solicited donations and the community reciprocated.

“This is definitely the best year for our fill-the-boot campaign,” said Firefighter Jason Maners. “We receiving such an outpouring of support from our community. It was great.”

Fill the Boot funds also are used to support some of the 300 worldwide research projects seeking better treatments and cures for the more than 40 neuromuscular diseases covered by MDA, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy and ALS.

Westfield Firefighters Save Two Homes

WESTFIELD, Ind. —  Westfield firefighters saved two homes this morning after fire broke out during simultaneous lightning strikes.  Around five this morning, lightning from a passing storm hit a house at 3160 Joshua Circle.  Firefighters arrived shortly after and found flames coming from the basement.  They jumped into action–putting out the fire and making sure everyone was safe.

At the same time, another fire broke out at 15102 New Haven Drive.  Crews from Westfield and Carmel got on the scene shortly after and also found fire in the basement.  They put the fire out and protected the rest of the house from further damage.

“Both homes were saved today because of the quick work of our firefighters along with firefighters from Carmel,” said John Barrett fire department spokesperson.

The estimated damage for both homes is 17,000 dollars: 10,000 at the 3160 Joshua Circle house and 7,000 at the New Haven Drive house. Investigators say both fires were caused by lightning that struck each home.  Everyone made it out safe and there were no injuries.

Westfield Firefighters Fill The Boot

Today, Westfield firefighters helped raise money for MDA. They dispersed around the city asking for donations with their fire boots! Here’s a picture of our firefighters.