Toms River firefighters headed to national competition

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Time is always of the essence for Toms River firefighters. Next week, they’ll compete in a national competition to test their speed. The Firefighter Challenge League might as well be a firefighter’s Olympic Games. It’s an international competition described as the toughest two minutes in sports. “Regular fire ground training is not as extreme,” said Toms River Fire Company 1st Lt. Tim Cook. “This is just head-on, nonstop, push yourself to the max.” Each element of the course is based off a real-life fire call -- from five-story climbs, to firehose hoists, forced entry and victim rescue. “You’re building up your strength and conditioning to do your job better when the time comes to make that push, or make a rescue,” Cook said. “It’s a great feeling when you finish,” said Toms River Fire Company Firefighter Ed Schuer. “It’s a good accomplishment.” The best can finish the challenge in under 90 seconds. Participants say the brotherhood is more important than beating the clock. “Even throughout the challenge, you’re getting support from your fellow firefighters from all over the country,” Schuler said. “We make it better so that [we] all go home in the end,” Cook said. If things go well next week in Pennsylvania, there’s a potential trip to the national or even world championships in the fall. "