Local Firefighters Compete at FASNY Games

Local volunteer firefighters joined squads from around the state in Cortland over the weekend to compete in the 11th annual Firefighter Winter Games.

Hosted by the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, the annual event is billed as a “rough-and-tumble version of the Winter Olympics.”

The competition began Saturday at Greek Peak Adventure center with events such as tubing races, a sled pull competition, a hose relay race and a tug-of-war. The Winter Games concluded Sunday with a broomball tournament at the JM McDonald Sports Complex. Events were held free of charge and open to the public.

Hosted by the Cortland County Firemen’s Association, the 2016 games were expected to draw more than 300 firefighters representing 50 or more teams from many areas across New York state, a media release said. Organizers said teams from Norwich and Walton were among those participating.

According to the release, “The competitions actually provide firefighters with training of important firefighting skills. The Hose Relay Event, as one example, reinforces the necessity of speedy, efficient and close teamwork when fighting a fire. The vigorous work-outs serve as part of FASNY’s health and wellness initiatives.”

According to its website, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York provides information, education and training for the volunteer fire and emergency medical services throughout New York state. More information is at https://fasny.com/