Firefighters climb stairs, drag dummies as endurance is put to the test in Akron

Lieutenant James Paulus was winded after navigating the course, which included racing up a five-story tower in the middle of downtown Akron, carrying a human-sized mannequin and using a fire hose, all while in a full, fire-protective suit. 

“Going up the stairs carrying all of that extra weight is pretty challenging for most people,” said Paulus, who’s served with the Akron Fire Department since 2017. “At the end, when you’re completely smoked and tired, you have to pick up a [165]-pound dummy. It’s all mental, and you have to hold on and keep moving.”

Paulus was one of dozens of active and retired firefighters to participate in the opening day of the 2026 Northeast Regional Firefighter Championship Classic, which aims to demonstrate the physical readiness of the region’s fire departments and inspire improved physical health. The event drew firefighters from 13 states. 

The competition continues Friday with tandem and relay team competitions as well as the individual competition final — all free and open to the public.

Paulus said the South Main Street course wasn’t too different from what his team encounters in real-life situations. He practiced at his Akron fire station, where there’s a staircase and a dummy to drag.

“You’ve got to be moving fast,” Paulus said, “efficiently and safely to get the job done.”

Akron firefighter Hunter Brancifort, who’s served with the department for almost two years, was pleased with her first race, where she came in first place in her qualifying bracket of the female competition (ages 18-29) with a time of three minutes and four seconds. During Saturday finals, she hopes to finish in under three minutes.

Akron Fire Captain Matt Askea last competed in the event nearly two decades ago. 

On Thursday, Askea cheered on his team. Approximately 30 Akron firefighters are scheduled to participate in the event.

“It brings people from across the county here to compete; it creates a lot of camaraderie with our own department and our members,” said Askea, who also serves as the department’s safety officer. 

“Everybody’s been looking forward to it for months. We’ve been preparing for this.”

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Firefighters climb stairs, drag dummies as endurance is put to the test in Akron

by Joshua Repp July 24, 2026

Akron last hosted the regional classic in 2008.

“It’s huge to have it back in Akron,” Brancifort said. “It’d be cool to see it more often. It’s a whole different feeling when you’re racing for your home fire department.”