POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, Hawaii -- The second Hawaii Island Fireman's Muster was hosted, here, for more than 30 firefighters and their families, May 17.
The muster featured a series of friendly individual and team competitions designed to build rapport and camaraderie between local firefighters.
Participating agencies included PTA's Fire and Emergency Services, the Hawai'i County Fire Department and its volunteer firefighting companies, and the Department of Transportation's Aircraft Rescue and Firefighters.
"I think the Firemen's Muster is a phenomenal way to team build for joint operations," said John Bertsch, volunteer fire captain, Company 7B, Hawaii Fire Department.
Some of the events the firefighters participated in included these:
•Midnight Alarm. Teams were "woken up" to race against the clock to don their gear and run to a simulated emergency site.
•Bucket Brigade. Teams worked together to move buckets of water without spilling them.
•Tug of War. Firefighters tested their strength and stamina against each other.
•Firefighter Challenge. Firefighters flexed their muscles in an obstacle course challenging their firefighting prowess.
"This is what it is all about: the friendship, the fun, the sharing of ideas and the bond that holds us together," said assistant fire chief John Vierra, USAG-P Fire and Emergency Services. "I love this stuff."
Keiki in attendance also had the chance to test their future firefighting skills in youth versions of the Midnight Alarm and Bucket Brigade events.
"This is a great way to build mutual respect and friendships between responders," said Garrett Kim, fire captain, Honoka'a, Hawaii Fire Department. "It is a way to come together in a fun way, not at an emergency incident."
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