Firefighters compete at Winter Games

CORTLAND COUNTY, N.Y. — More than 200 firefighters from all across the state came out to Greek Peak on Saturday.

“We haven’t participated this is our first year and we wanted to see what it was all about,” said one crew from Sag Harbor.

This crew from Sag Harbor drove more than 400 miles to participate in the sixth annual winter games, and they came ready to dominate the tubing races.

“We were winning most of the way but it was sabotage I think I don’t know,” said a spokesman from the group.

While they didn’t quite dominate the races, they seemed to have a good time. For leadership in charge of the event, that means mission accomplished.

David Jacobowitz, the FASNY President said, “It is a day of relaxation, we wait for the alarm to go off day in and day out we train. It is a day we can let our hair down just relax and get away from it all.”

And most definitely indulge in some friendly competition.

Patrick Gavin, Owego Fire Department said, “We would like to win a few of these races I think we are behind in a few but seeing our fellow fire fighters and enjoying being out on a good day like this, it is a lot of fun.”

Another popular event at this year’s games is the sled pull, but this is no ordinary sled. Activities like the sled pull are feats of strength meant to show just how strong the firefighters are.

Doug VanEtten, the games chairman said, “We are trying to mimic some of the things that we do in our emergency response role while having a little fun.”