Akron firefighters participated in the opening day of the 2026 Northeast Regional Firefighter Championship Classic, which aims to demonstrate the physical readiness of the region’s fire departments and inspire improved physical health.
Local Firefighters Compete
Lieutenant James Paulus was one of dozens of active and retired firefighters to participate in the event, which included racing up a five-story tower in downtown Akron, carrying a human-sized mannequin and using a fire hose, all while in a full, fire-protective suit.
Akron firefighter Hunter Brancifort, who’s served with the department for almost two years, was pleased with her first race, where she came in first place in her qualifying bracket of the female competition with a time of three minutes and four seconds.
Akron Fire Captain Matt Askea cheered on his team, which includes approximately 30 Akron firefighters scheduled to participate in the event.
Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.
