Chancellor Volunteer Fire and Rescue sent 17 members to the 128th Annual Virginia State Firefighters Association Convention and Competition.  Chancellor's Competition Team members competed in all 8 events as well as the Fire Truck Rodeo and they did NOT come home empty handed!

For those who have not observed our team training or had the opportunity to attend the competition, please know that the competition is fierce.  Events are timed team endeavors which build upon basic firefighter skills and pit teams from across the state against one another.  These events are difficult even when not timed.  Add the intensity of timing and friendly competition among teams and the resulting recipe is an adrenaline rush from start to finish for both the competitors and the observers.  Imagine 4 firefighters running across a set distance carrying a 35-foot ladder to the base of a 30-foot tower where they 'plant' the ladder at the base of the tower, raise the ladder the full 30 feet to the top, and then each firefighter climbs the ladder to the top...all while being timed!  Not only are the time of the team and skill of each member factors in the competition but the ability of the team to effectively communicate with one another as they tackle each phase of the task is tested.

One of the most prestigious awards given at the end of the competition is the J. W. Ludwig Sportsmanship Award.  It is special because it is voted on by the judges from each of the competition events and is given to the team that displays true sportsmanship not only to their team members but to all the teams and judges at the competition.  This year, that award was presented to Chancellor's Competition Team!  This is the first award Chancellor has brought home from state competition.

The winning team was led by Captain Hollie Williams and Co-Captains Phillip Gouldman and Paul Taylor.  Members of the team included Elizabeth Bartman, Mitchell Branham, Fred Broccolo, Matt Burgett, Matt Goldsborough, Lizz Goodpasture, Justin Harrison, Emma Jarman, Melanie Kelly, Brandon Murray, Ryan Passera, John Richter, Maggie Walsh and Dustin Wright.

The team states they could not be prouder of being chosen for this award.  We could not be prouder of these wonderful volunteer ambassadors who give so selfishly of their personal time to serve their fellow citizens.

JOB WELL DONE!  CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU!