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Firefighter training becomes real life on the job continued from p.1 race up a five-storey tower. Once at the top of the tower, they drop the hose and then hoist a second hose from the ground. Then they must race down the tower and complete the force machine process of the obstacle course. This involves hitting a 160-lb. block with an 8-lb. sledgehammer until the block has been driven a certain distance. "It simulates breaking through a door or breaking through a roof with an axe," said Oakville firefighter Shaun Henderson in a previous interview outlining the challenge. "You're doing this all on (oxygen), so at this point you are just completely fatigued." With the force machine exercise complete, the participant then runs to a water-filled hose, drags it eight feet and then uses it to put out a simulated blaze. Following that the firefighter grabs a 185lb. rescue mannequin and drags it backwards 100 feet. The training has very `real world' applications. It makes a firefighter stronger, faster and better able to do their job, which is very physically challenging. Maybee said the Oakville training facility was chosen because the Oakville Firefighter Combat Challenge Team has been ranked the best in Canada. "When I actually heard about this I was surprised there wasn't a National First Responders Day already," said Henderson. "I think this is a great project. It lets the community reach out and show their thanks to the EMS, police and fire." This exhausting work paid off with numerous media groups attending the Oakville firefighter training facility throughout the day to see the show. Residents interested in signing the petition can visit www.facebook.com/duracell. Signatures will be collected in this campaign until the fall. 3 | Thursday, May 9, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Firefighter Kurtis Mantell runs an obstacle course in a Firefighter Combat Training Challenge at the Oakville Fire Training Centre while firefighter Darren Van Zanbergen hoists a hose. Interlocking Tumblestone, Retaining Walls, Garden Installation, Sodding & Excavating, photos by Michael Ivanin ­ special to the Beaver Henderson, who came in second place overall at the Scott Safety World Challenge XXI in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in 2012, completing the obstacle course in one minute and 27 seconds, spoke about the petition. plus more Call for FREE Estimate (905) 827-8158 · www.rogerslandscaping.org Mother's Day is Coming... Treat Her to a New Chair Oakville's State-of-the-Art Hearing Clinic from from May is HEARING MONTH! FREE hearing screening** $979 (Blendown seat cushion) $549 Free iPad mini with every purc hase of 2 hearing a ids * Offer valid thru May 31st only from $479 from $599 Lots of Styles & Fabrics | In-Stock and Custom Order Furniture & Home Decor 2387 Trafalgar Rd, Oakville ON (In the Winners' Plaza) www.pureaudiology.ca *iPad mini will be awarded at the end of the trial period **18 years and older 289.837.1137 217 Lakeshore Rd. E., Downtown Oakville www.swissinteriors.com | 905-844-3530 Mon.- Thurs. 9:30-6 Fridays 9:30-8 Sat 9:30-5