The Firefighter Combat Challenge that tests strength, speed, endurance, and firefighting skills of firefighters from across the nation is coming back to Sioux Center on Friday, September 3 and Saturday, September 4 during Labor Day weekend.
The competition will be hosted in the Centre Mall parking lot in Sioux Center and is free for the public to attend.
This high-energy event, known as “the toughest two minutes in sports” requires competitors to climb a five-story tower wearing 50 pounds of fire gear, hoist a 42-pound fire hose, carry a victim, and more, as they race against each other and the clock.
The Firefighter Combat Challenge is honoring Jason Van Holland, a local young firefighter who loved to train for the event and also served as coach and timekeeper for others.
“He was full-throttle into it,” said Kyle Van Holland, firefighter and brother to Jason. “He was really enthusiastic about the event and always was really motivating and empowering. He would buy posters to put up in the firefighters’ tent and would always be the loudest one cheering.”
The Sioux Center Fire Department is seeking volunteers to help host the Firefighter Combat Challenge. Volunteers will be needed to help set up and take down the course and also to help re-set the course during the competition Friday and Saturday. Those willing to help can email Firefighter Dave Egdorf.
“It takes about 30-40 volunteers to make this event happen,” said Sioux Center Fire Chief Dave Van Holland.
Friday’s competition begins at 5:30 p.m. with opening ceremonies followed by team and individual races, and Saturday’s competition begins at 10 a.m. with a local corporate challenge and continues at 11 a.m. with firefighters’ tandem and relay races.