Saturday, Santa Rosa County firefighters and emergency personnel came together for the Santa Rosa County Firefighters Association "Pull for your Favorite Charity" Fire Truck Pull at the Avalon Fire Department on Mulat Road in Milton. The charity pick for winning team "Backdraft” was National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and a check for $337.00 will be presented to them from the event.
Sandy Luntsford, with the SRCFA said the purpose of this event was to bring together county fire departments and their families for a day of stress-free competition, comradery, and relaxation. Chief Sid Wiggins of Avalon Fire Rescue said, “It helps all departments get to know each other. It’s good for comradery and gets the families involved.” In addition to the truck pull, a dunk tank for chiefs and officers, as we all as Chappy the Clown and Alex the Hobo entertained all who attended. Ian Fullerton with 1st Class Sound also provided DJ services with a Scottish flare.
The goal for the four 10-member teams was to pull a fire truck, fully equipped less water, 30 feet for the fastest overall time. The teams consisted of members from Allentown, Avalon, Bagdad, Harold, Holley Navarre and Pace Fire Departments.
The overall average winning time was 8.42 seconds by Team “Backdraft” represented by 6 members from Harold Fire Department, 2 member from Holley Navarre Fire Department and 2 members from Avalon Fire Department. Second Place went to Avalon Fire Department with an average time of 8.47 seconds. Bagdad Fire Department took the Sportsmanship award for their enthusiasm throughout the event. Official timers for the event were members from Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Department and Lifeguard 1 Air Ambulance service.
Luntsford also said there were no emergency calls during Saturday's events. However, the departments present were ready to respond to any call if needed and had personnel on site and/or coverage from other departments not represented in case any emergency response was needed.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Firefighters pull for charity