Maine fire fighter and son win Pine State Classic strongman events 

Bath Iron Works, ME Local 5257’s Andrew “Sully” Sullivan and his 7-year-old son, Mickey, bring home wins.

October 15 • 2024

Like father, like son, they say.  

That couldn’t be more true for Bath Iron Works, ME Local 5257’s Andrew “Sully” Sullivan and his 7-year-old son, Mickey. The duo both claimed victories at the Pine State Classic, showing that strength truly runs in the family. 

Sully, an experienced strongman competitor, clinched first place in the heavyweight category. “Competing helps me stay fit for my job,” Sully said. “The strength I build here translates directly to what we do as fire fighters.” 

Jesse Bell, president of Local 5257, commended Sully’s achievement. “Brother Sully came to our Local in July of this year and has been competing in strongman events since 2016. His win on Saturday means he qualifies for a national strongman event happening early next year. Brother Sully is a dedicated husband and father of nine who is no stranger to the job, having previously served as a professional fire fighter in Fort Fairfield.” 

Competing helps me stay fit for my job. The strength I build here translates directly to what we do as fire fighters.

andrew “sully” sullivan, local 5257 member

The event – held at the Union Fairgrounds in Union, Maine – featured a series of tough challenges, including the LOG Clean & Press, Car Deadlift, Sandbag Throw Medley, Farmers Walk, and Stone Over Bar, testing the athletes’ physical strength and endurance − something Sully says mirrors the demands of firefighting. 

“The word functional fitness was a buzzword in training for years, and it still is,” Sully said. “In strongman, we do a lot of weighted carries. For instance, a farmer’s walk simulates carrying heavy equipment, which is crucial for us in the fire service.” 

Sully’s son Mickey also made a memorable debut in the kids’ competition, including his standout performance in the farmer’s walk event that bested the fastest time by five seconds. “He jumped in at the last minute and crushed it,” Sully said. 

Bell praised Mickey’s achievement, saying, “This was Mickey Sullivan’s first strongman event, and he crushed it for his age class. The Executive Board and union members were proud to sponsor our brother for this event and celebrate Team Sullivan’s victory.” 

This was Mickey Sullivan’s first strongman event, and he crushed it for his age class.

jesse bell, local 5257 president

Proceeds from the event benefit Camp Sunshine in Casco, Maine, a retreat for families with children facing life-threatening illnesses. 

As Sully looks toward the next national competition, he’s thankful for his firefighting family. 

 “I couldn’t have done it without the guys at the firehouse,” he said. “They sponsored me, gave me the time off to compete, and ensured I was well-rested. I’m incredibly grateful.”