Fire Fighter Challenge Benefits Boys and Girls Club

April 24, 2007 – To raise money to rebuild the Ferndale Boys and Girls Club in Whatcom County, Washington, which was destroyed by fire on January 1, 2007, Bellingham, WA Local 106 member Ryan Provencher teamed up with RMAX Gym Owner Scott Sonnon and Boys and Girls Club of Whatcom County representative Josh Wylund to organize the RMAX Team Tactical Fitness Challenge between county fire stations on April 13. Organizers estimate that the effort generated $5,000 for the cause.

Fire investigators believe the January 1 blaze began in the northwest corner of the Ferndale Boys and Girls Club because of an electrical problem. The fire burned approximately one-third of the facility, but the remainder of the building is unusable because of smoke damage.

“This event raised money to help area children and it also encouraged fire fighters to be more aware of the importance of physical fitness,” says Provencher.

Five-member teams from participating fire stations competed in four evolutions, including a combination of high intensity interval training involving “old school” equipment such as medicine balls, jump ropes and monkey bars. Scores were based on how many exercise repetitions each team completed during timed exercises.

Teams from three IAFF locals – Bellingham, WA Local 106, Northwest Whatcom Fire Fighters Local 3867 and Whatcom 7 Fire Fighters Local 3855 – took the first eight places.

The Ferndale Boys and Girls Club is the second-largest Boys and Girls Club in Whatcom County, located between Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia, and serving more than 1,400 children. Nearly 40 percent of those children are from economically disadvantaged homes, while 30 percent live in single parent homes. The Boys and Girls Club offers programs in health, life skills, art, technology, athletics and character and leadership development.

To make a donation to the cause, click here.