What is the Combat Challenge?

The Combat Challenge is a competition that highlights the relationship between fitness and job performance. The Challenge was conceived by David Gratz Director of Fire/Rescue Services in Montgomery County, MD, and doctors Dotson, Santa Maria and Davis of the Sports Medicine Center of the University of Maryland. Chief Gratz approached the 3 doctors requesting that they develop a physical ability test to determine whether an applicant had the requisite capabilities to perform the essential job functions of firefighting. With US Fire Administration funding, the research design was laid out.

In 1991 Dr. Davis hit upon an idea that would provide the connection he was looking for - the idea that would eventually become the Challenge. Having noticed the competitive nature of firefighters during the initial testing, he sparked the idea of of highlighting the relationship between fitness and job performance.

The first Challenge took place on May 5, 1991 and was comprised of only one event. By 1992 there were seven events and over twenty in 1997.

Today, the Challenge continues its tremendous history of expansion. From infancy, the Challenge has reflected the nature of firefighting and the dedication required to defend the life and property of a nation's citizenry. Like the competitors, the Challenge represents strength - a spirited commitment to serving the American people.

Chief Joe Concatto	2:47.89 Word Record over 50 - 1996
	1st Place Ohio Regional - 1996
	1st Place Virginia Regional - 1996
	5th Place Nationals - 1996
	1st Place Ohio Regional - 1997
	2:42.54 9th Place Nationals - 1997
Battalion Chief Stephen Rich	2:10.34 Nationals - 1997
	4th Place Chief Officers
Captain Rick Sacco	2:07:51 Nationals - 1997
Firefighter Eric Showes	1:51.36 Nationals - 1997
	5th Place over 40
Firefighter Dave Williams	1:58.36 Nationals - 1997
	14th Place over 40
	1st Place Pittsburgh Regional - 1996
	1st Place Michigan Regional over 40 - 1997
Firefighter/Paramedic Lorenzo Bagley	2:06.12 Nationals - 1996
Firefighter/Paramedic James Hall	1:59.00 Cleveland Regional - 1997
	3rd Place Cleveland Regional - 1996

Canton Fire Department Combat Challenge Team Competition History

TEAM MEMBERS E. Showes, S. Rich, D. Williams, R. Sacco, C. Jordan	DATE 5/94	TYPE Regional	TIME 9:03.5	PLACE 13th	# TEAMS 33
E. Showes, L. Bagley D. Williams, S. Rich J. Hall	5/95	Regional	8:35.93	6th	35
E. Showes, L. Bagley D. Williams, S. Rich J. Hall	9/95	Regional	7:38.30	6th	30
E Showes, L. Bagley D. Williams, S. Rich J. Hall	1/96	National	7:23.50	43rd	74
E. Showes, D. Williams L. Bagley, S. Rich J. Hall	5-96	Regional	7:01.0	6th	35
J. Hall, R. Sacco S. Rich, D. Williams L. Bagley	9/96	6:31.73	Regional	2nd	29
J. Hall, S. Rich D. Williams, L. Bagley E. Showes	12-96	6:23.23	National	37th	102
S. Rich, J. Hall E. Showes, R. Sacco D. Williams	5/97	6:20.00	Regional	6th	29
R. Sacco, S. Rich E. Showes, D. Williams	11/97	6:06.98	National	42nd	101

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