Tyler Combat Challenge Teams Qualify for World Competition

TYLER — Members of the Tyler Fire Department recently competed in the Brookshire�s Regional Combat Challenge competition held in Tyler this past weekend. Both Tyler teams posted impressive results and are now qualified to compete in the World Firefighter Combat Challenge competition in Las Vegas, according to a news release. Tyler�s Open Challenge Team placed third overall, competing against 26 other teams from across the country. Members of this team include Brian Boyd, Jeremy Driver, Jeff Hudgens, Patrick Mayo, and Jay McClung.

Tyler�s Over 40 Team placed first in its division. Members include Jeff Barnett, Brandon Davis, Brent Hail, Terry Hawkins and Randy Lee. This team will be competing in Las Vegas on October 22nd � 27th at the World Firefighter Combat Challenge. The City of Tyler also entered one team in the Corporate Division. This team, made up of employees from various City of Tyler departments, won first place in its division. Members include Doug Coffman, Luke Porter, Leroy Sparrow, and Jimmy Vega.

�This is a great event for our firefighters to test how they compare to other communities, and next year will be even bigger with Tyler hosting the national competition,� said Tyler Fire Chief Tim Johnson. �None of this would have been possible without the help of all our sponsors and volunteers.� Firefighters from all over the United States competed in what ESPN has called the toughest two minutes in sports. This is the eighth year that Tyler has hosted this regional event. Next year, Tyler will host the national three-day event. For more information, contact the Tyler Fire Marshal�s Office at 903-535-0005.