The Illinois Valley Fire District’s Fire/EMS Explorer Post 8900 traveled to Gatlinburg, Tenn., to participate in the annual Winterfest competition.
This year was Winterfest’s 50th anniversary, and hosted 1,350 youths from 17 states and 42 councils. The three-day event, Feb. 14-16, comprised over one hundred competitive skills and events for youths aged 14-21, which included specific skillsets for Law Enforcement Posts, Fire/EMS Posts, Venture Crews, Scout Troops and Sea Scouts.
This is only the second time that the district’s Fire Explorers have attended this event, which focuses on effective teamwork, communication and leadership skills.
While up against a large number of skilled and seasoned competitors, the Illinois Valley team secured third place in the triple-lay hose handling event. Additionally, the IVFD Explorers teamed up with Gallatin, Tennessee’s Post 119, to secure the first-place prize for group teamwork during the All-Tied-Up challenge.
At the beginning of the opening ceremony, a dedication was made to honor fallen firefighter Sgt. Chris King from the Cherokee County, Georgia Fire Department. The skill challenge the “King Drill” was named in his honor and designed to teach fire attack and primary search techniques while demonstrating effective teamwork and communication skills under stressful conditions.
After completing this event, IVFD Explorer Captain Clara Gavlik was honored by being given a challenge coin from the Cherokee Fire Department for her effective leadership skills and the team’s demonstrated teamwork during the drill, the very purpose for which Sgt. King wanted to achieve with this particular challenge.
If you are interested in becoming an Explorer with the Illinois Valley Fire District and are in the 6th grade through high school, or are willing to financially sponsor Explorers to attend this competition in the future, contact Division Chief Jeff Gavlik at (541) 415-9352.