Last month, Erie welcomed competitors from across the United States, Canada, and New Zealand for the Firefighter Challenge National Championship, where they put their skill, strength, and grit to the test.
Check out some of the action from this week!
Photo by West Broad Apparel
Erie Meets the Firefighter Challenge at Nationals
From September 23 through 26, first responders faced a grueling course mirroring the real-world responsibilities they encounter on the job. Competitors tackled stair climbs, hose handling, forcible entry, and rescue simulations against the clock. But the energy extended beyond the course. The intensity of the competition was matched by the enthusiasm of the crowd, as competitors, volunteers, friends, family members, and Erie residents came together to support the athletes and celebrate an event ESPN has called “the toughest two minutes in sports.”
Hometown Teams in Action
Erie departments were well represented on the course, with competitors from Erie Fire Department, and Millcreek Township proudly joining the national field. The event also featured exhibition teams from Snap-tite Hose, Erie Insurance, Erie Waterworks, Erie Public Works Department, and Erie Police Department. Congratulations to Erie Public Works for coming away with the win!
For the individual men’s 18-29 category, Judah Gardner of Erie Fire Department placed second in the nation. Ranking 3rd in the nation for their showdown team was Erie Fire’s Judah Gardner, Nate Gardner, Terrey Sedney, and Kyle Miller. Terrey Sedney, says:
“I think the best part of competing in nationals here in our hometown Erie Pennsylvania is just the level of pride that it brings. Over the last year we’ve got to meet several other firefighters from different departments across the country, having them here on our turf to compete, brings a different level of competitiveness. My wife and family were volunteers on the course while I ran, which felt extra special. Everyone I spoke with said Erie was the best event they’d attended all year. Hearing that from fellow firefighters made me proud of our entire community.”
Erie Fire Department Team: (left to right) Judah Gardner, Kyle Miller, Terrey Sedney, and Nate Gardner.
Photo by West Broad Apparel
Celebrating Service and Community
Beyond the competition, the championship offered an opportunity to recognize the dedication, training, and teamwork that goes into fire service. Each run highlighted the countless hours of preparation and commitment first responders bring to serve their communities.
The 2026 Firefighter Challenge National Championship left Erie with a renewed appreciation for first responders from near and far. Thank you to the competitors, organizers, volunteers, sponsors, families, and spectators who helped make four days of competition a celebration of courage, camaraderie, and community.
What's Next?
Looking forward to seeing more competition? Make sure you tune in to FCLNetwork on YouTube to catch the best of the best in Las Vegas for Worlds. Mark your calendars for October 19-24, 2026.
Thank you to everyone involved for being part of our Firefighter Challenge story: