Medicine Hat FireFit Team head to compete in Assiniboia after record performance this past weekend

“When they announced over the loudspeaker that we’d set a new Canadian national record, it was a pretty special moment,” Labash said.

The team’s success extended across multiple events. Josh Fauth earned second place in the Over 40 Division, while Steven Seymour placed second in the Over 45 Division.

In the Tech2 competition, Medicine Hat’s younger pairing of Dylan Yanke and Nathan Jerry captured second place in the Open Division. Meanwhile, the veteran duo of Jason Labash and Steven Seymour won first place in the Over 40 Division. Michael Arnold competed with Riley Malone of the Assiniboia Fire Department earning top spot in the Hybrid Division.

The younger Medicine Hat relay team also played a key role in the weekend’s success. In one of the event’s most exciting races, the younger team narrowly lost to the veteran Over 40 squad in a relay knockout competition, helping push both teams to exceptional performances.

The Over 40 Relay Team ultimately finished first in the Over 40 Division and third overall in the Open Relay standings.

For Labash, the team’s accomplishments reflect years of dedication and a culture of fitness that extends throughout the department.

The Medicine Hat FireFit Team was founded in 2006 by veteran firefighter Steven Seymour and is celebrating its 20th season of competition this year. More than 20 firefighters have represented the team over that time, accounting for more than a quarter of the department’s operational firefighters.

Nine Medicine Hat firefighters competed in Calgary.

FireFit competitions challenge firefighters to complete job-specific tasks while wearing full protective equipment weighing approximately 100 pounds when breathing apparatus is included. Events simulate real-world firefighting demands through stair climbs, hose drags, forcible-entry exercises and victim rescues.

Labash said the training directly translates to emergency response situations.

“If it’s someone’s worst day, hopefully we’re at our best,” Labash said.

“Training under those conditions gives firefighters a level of comfort and confidence that carries over to the job.”

The team will send six competitors to Assiniboia this weekend before turning its attention toward the Canadian National FireFit Championships in Fredericton, New Brunswick, in September. Several members are also planning to compete at the Firefighter Challenge World Championships in Las Vegas later this fall.

Labash said the team’s longevity and success would not be possible without strong local support.

“The reason we’ve been able to do this for 20 years is because the whole community gets behind us,” Labash said.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to work, live, raise our families and race for Medicine Hat.”

The team also credited its sponsors and community partners, whose support helps make training, travel and competition opportunities possible throughout the season.

by Jesse Gill

Medicine Hat FireFit Team head to compete in Assiniboia after record performance this past weekend

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