IronwoodInfo News Magazine

Ironwood - Ontonagon Vols
Wow Them in Houghton

HOUGHTON - July 24, 2008 "Ready, set," then the bang of a starter pistol.

A scene that was repeated numerous times Friday, as the 114th U.P. Volunteer Firefighters Tournament marked its second day in Houghton with a series of competitions at the Kestner Waterfront Park.

Usually when fire fighter's grab their gear, they're responding to a crisis. But, not today when there were five events: The ladder, the hose roll, hose coupling, the interchangeable (like the hose coupling event, but with the added wrinkle of having to replace a hose) and a mystery event.

57 fire departments traveled to Houghton for the tournament. 30 of those teams raced to see who could roll up a hose the fastest, and who could link a hose and spray water the fastest.

"Some of the departments are really competitive," said Treasurer of the U.P.Volunteer Firefighter's Association, Pearce Graham. "But, others are just here to have fun."

In each race firefighter's have to put on their gear, before racing to complete a task. In one race, four firefighters held the ladder, while another climbed to the top.

Of the events, the interchangeable was the trickiest. Several teams earned disqualifications after their couplings were ruled too loose.

Firefighters and their families watched from under canopies along the grass.

At about 3:30, the Houghton Fire Department unveiled this year's mystery event. A team of four firefighters had to get a water flow, then shoot a stream at a plank perched on a bench with an empty bucket on the elevated end. The team finished once the bucket hit the ground.

The Lake Linden Fire Department went first, finishing in 50.37 seconds.

There was more fun Friday night. The Firefighter's Ball took place at the Dee Stadium. Ron Neimi of Team Ironwood is also a singer n the Lowell Street Band an Ironwood Band that was the featured entertainment at the ball.

(photo below: Ron Neimi singer/ firefighter pictured far left)