It’s Game on For Firefighters in New York State

Town of Virgil, NY (WBNG Binghamton) Firefighters form something of a brotherhood when they join the service. They strengthen that bond through friendly competition sponsored by the Fireman’s Association of the State of New York.

It’s go time for firefighters across the state of New York as they compete in the annual Firefighters Winter Games.

Kicking off the day with some tubing, and then moving on to sled pulling, 375 fire fighters were geared up, teamed up, and ready to play.

For one firefighter just home from Iraq the games are a breath of fresh air.

“I got here on Tuesday. I flew in to Binghamton so I’ve been here for about a week, week and a half. I was going to go visit some friends but decided this would be more fun so, have fun while I am on leave, ” says Jeremiah Murphy.

For many others it’s a chance to forget some of the horrors tied to the rescuers jobs.

“What we do as Firefighters can be stressful and this is a little bit of a release for them socially. It gets them out with other firefighters that they not have met otherwise,” says David Quinn with the Fireman’s Association of the State of New York.

Not to discount the fun, the winter games had three events tubing, sled pulling, and hose tug of war.

Each of those could have also serve as training for the men and women.

“It’s a lot of fun. It is the second family and just 50 pounds of extra gear on top of everything. It’s hard work,” says Sue Price.

Hard work that’s mixed in with a little fun.

Organizers say this was the biggest year for the Winter games, hosting 61 teams of firefighters.

FASNY was hoping for 400 attendees next year, but because of the good turnout Saturday, they may raise the number.